Iraq cracks down on corruption, arrests dozens of officials and seizes $14 million

Iraqi security forces carried out coordinated raids in Baghdad’s Green Zone, detaining dozens of current and former officials. Authorities announced the arrest of 47 suspects, including parliamentarians such as Sunni Azm Coalition leader Muthanna Al Samarrai and deputy oil minister Ali Al‑Bahadli, as well as other lawmakers linked to former prime minister Mohammed Shia Al‑Sudani’s coalition.

The judiciary reported the seizure of more than $14 million – $11 million in cash and four billion dinars in assets – from the arrested oil official, adding to an earlier $85 million recovery in the case of former deputy oil minister Adnan Al‑Jumaili. Prime Minister Ali Al‑Zaidi has framed the operation as part of an intensified anti‑corruption campaign launched early Sunday, pledging to pursue graft and misuse of public funds at the highest levels.

The crackdown coincided with the sealing of the Green Zone, movement restrictions, and the involvement of the Counter‑Terrorism Service. The U.S. Treasury had previously sanctioned Al‑Bahadli for diverting oil to Iran. The arrests are expected to influence Iraq’s political landscape and its efforts to attract foreign investment.