Iraqi authorities detain multiple high-ranking officials in corruption probe

Iraqi Authorities Conduct Large-Scale Arrest Operation

A security operation was carried out by elite Iraqi forces in the Green Zone and several Baghdad neighborhoods at dawn on Sunday, according to a security source. The arrests were reportedly made based on statements provided by Adnan al-Jumaili, the deputy oil minister, who was arrested last month on corruption charges.

The Iraqi News Agency reported that several individuals, including lawmakers and officials, were taken into custody. However, it is unclear who specifically was arrested. There has been no official statement from the Iraqi government or security forces regarding the operation.

According to the security source, the Counter Terrorism Service carried out the arrests. The operation appears to be related to statements made by al-Jumaili during his arrest. Iraq’s new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has pledged to address corruption and mismanagement in the country.

In recent weeks, authorities have seized approximately $86 million in cash that was allegedly linked to the corruption case against al-Jumaili. The Associated Press reported that seven people were arrested on Sunday, including five members of parliament. Some of those arrested are reportedly affiliated with the political bloc of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

The arrests come as Iraq’s new government continues to address corruption and mismanagement issues. Al-Sudani’s bloc won the largest share of seats during November’s parliamentary elections, but he did not return as prime minister due to a deadlock within the Coordination Framework.

Source: Al Jazeera