SULAIMANI, Kurdistan Region – Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has ordered the shutdown of Korek Telecom’s internet service, citing unpaid taxes.
The decision follows a request from Iraq’s parliamentary Integrity Committee, which urged action against the Erbil-based company for failing to pay an estimated $1 billion in taxes.
Founded and owned by Sirwan Barzani, Sirwan Barzani, Peshmerga commander of forces in Makhmour and Gwer fronts, Korek denies the claim, calling it political pressure.
Iraq’s Communications Ministry has instructed the Board of Media and Communications Commission to enforce the shutdown starting Thursday, pending negotiations. Sources told Zoom News that the government may also revoke Korek’s license.
Korek is the leading telecom provider in Erbil and Duhok provinces.
This move is part of a broader crackdown on Korek, which has already faced restrictions preventing calls and messages between its network and major telecom companies like Sulaimani-based Asiacell and international operators.