In a dramatic overnight operation, security forces in Baghdad's Green Zone detained 17 officials, most of whom are members of the Iraqi parliament, according to sources cited by Al Arabiya/Al Hadath. Key figures apprehended include Muthanna al-Samarrai, leader of the Azm Coalition, which consists of 19 parliamentarians.
The sweep also netted Hassan al-Khafaji and Ibrahim al-Smaidaie, alongside lawmakers such as Alia Nassif, Baha al-Nouri, and Muthar al-Karawi, as well as Mohammed al-Karbooli and Mohammed Farhan.
Authorities also detained Hind al-Abbasi and Mohammad Saraman, arresting former MP Mohammad al-Sayhoud, a close ally of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani. Raids were conducted at the home of MP Alaa Sakar, who was not present, while Baha al-Nouri was also taken into custody.
Individuals with U.S. Sanctions
Ali Moa'j, a former deputy in the Oil Ministry and subject to U.S. sanctions, was among those arrested. Also detained were former Wasit Governor and current MP Mohammed al-Miyahi, along with MP Ziad al-Janabi and Muthar al-Karawi.
The residence of MP Hussein Moones, associated with Hezbollah, was raided, although he was not found.
Sources indicated that the swoop targeted MPs who had their immunity lifted and officials named in confessions by the ex-Oil Ministry deputy Adnan al-Jamily, detained since May last year.
A senior Iraqi security official confirmed to AFP that the arrests stem from investigations into the financing of factions, Iranian oil, and dollar smuggling, as well as corruption, with alleged ties to Tehran-backed factions.
Newly appointed Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged to combat corruption and mismanagement plaguing the country for decades.
He also vowed to disarm Iran-aligned militias, a point of pressure from Washington on Baghdad.
In a bid to underscore its anti-corruption stance, the government seized over $85 million earlier this month linked to a corruption case involving al-Jamily.
The Supreme Judicial Council confirmed the arrest of Raed al-Jubouri, the health director of Salahuddin province, based on confessions given by al-Jamily during interrogation.
The legal measures in the ongoing investigation included the confiscation of 70 properties, 21 modern vehicles, and approximately 3 kilograms of gold jewelry.