BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces have arrested several current and former government officials as part of a widening anti-corruption campaign, authorities said, in a move aimed at tackling graft and restoring public confidence in state institutions.
The arrests were carried out following investigations into allegations of financial misconduct, abuse of office and the misuse of public funds. Officials did not immediately disclose the identities of all those detained, citing ongoing legal proceedings.
According to Iraqi authorities, the operation targeted individuals suspected of involvement in corruption cases across multiple government departments. Investigators are examining contracts, procurement processes and the management of public resources as part of the probe.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s government has made combating corruption a central policy priority, describing graft as one of the country’s most serious challenges. Baghdad has in recent years launched several investigations into alleged embezzlement and financial crimes involving public officials.
The latest arrests come amid growing public demands for greater accountability and transparency in government spending. Corruption has long been a major source of frustration among Iraqis, with critics arguing that it has hindered economic development, weakened public services and undermined trust in state institutions.
Legal proceedings against the detained officials are expected to continue in the coming weeks, while authorities say additional arrests could follow if further evidence emerges.
Iraq ranks among countries facing significant corruption challenges, according to international monitoring organizations, despite repeated government pledges to strengthen oversight and recover stolen public assets.
The government has said the anti-corruption campaign will continue and that no official, regardless of position, will be exempt from investigation if credible evidence of wrongdoing is found.
