The report stated the companies paid 10% paybacks to Saddam Hussein’s government in order to secure contracts, apparently earning the regime US$4.4 billion from this arrangement.

According to a Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) whistleblower, “All oil-for-food contracts from 1998 included 10% in ‘after-sales services’, including a few with US companies. After the war, the US-led occupation authority reviewed and amended 3,500 unexecuted contracts worth US$8 billion to remove the surcharge.”

Another anonymous source revealed the nationalities of the firms but did not name names. According to the insider, “The bulk of goods were supplied by Australian, Vietnamese, Thai, Russian, Jordanian and Syrian firms.”

“Saudi firms were also involved, as were US companies although they were minor players,” added the official, who is said to have been very close to the action.

The report went on to say the news service provider managed to obtain contracts and UN documents which show the Australian Wheat Board (AWB) agreeing to amend a 14 December 2004 contract. The original contract was 10% higher.

The AWB has denied all charges and has pledged to cooperate with a UN investigation on the matter.