Iraqi security forces launched a large-scale operation in Baghdad’s Green Zone early on Sunday, carrying out raids that reportedly resulted in the arrest of several former officials, lawmakers and business figures as part of an expanding anti-corruption investigation.
Counter-terrorism forces, army units and the Integrity Commission took part in the operation, temporarily closing access to the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government institutions and foreign diplomatic missions.
While Iraqi authorities had not immediately released an official list of those detained, state media confirmed the raids. Local media reports and social media accounts said the operation targeted more than a dozen current and former officials, including individuals linked to the previous government.
The arrests are believed to be connected to the ongoing investigation into former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan Al-Jumaili, who was detained last month over allegations of large-scale financial corruption.
According to officials familiar with the investigation, several suspects were arrested based on information obtained during Al-Jumaili’s interrogation. Those detained reportedly include members of parliament whose legal immunity had been lifted, along with other public officials named during the inquiry.
Al-Jumaili has been accused of diverting funds from several state-owned refineries and financing political groups, allegations that have made the case one of Iraq’s most significant corruption investigations in recent years.
The operation comes weeks after Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi took office, having pledged to make tackling corruption a central priority of his administration.
Authorities have yet to issue a full statement detailing the outcome of the raids or confirm the identities of all those detained as investigations continue.
