WASHINGTON — The inspector general who uncovered cases of waste, fraud, and abuse in the American-led reconstruction effort in Iraq is under investigation by a presidential panel, according to the White House.

Stuart Bowen Jr., the special inspector general for Iraq reconstruction, is under investigation after complaints were made by former employees about his work habits and work he required employees to perform. The investigation is headed by the integrity committee of the President’s Council on Integrity and Efficiency, which is made up of inspectors general appointed by the president.

“Allegations have been made about Inspector General Bowen, and the integrity committee is investigating them to determine the validity of them,” the council’s chairman, Clay Johnson III, said Wednesday. Mr. Johnson is also deputy director for management at the Office of Management and Budget.

Former employees filed complaints last year about Mr. Bowen not showing up for work for long periods of time in 2004, according to a former employee who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retaliation. Complaints were also made alleging that Mr. Bowen had employees work on a book that is to explain the lessons of Iraq reconstruction, which pulled them away from audits.