Iraqi Authorities Arrest Dozens of Politicians in Major Corruption Crackdown

Iraq is facing one of its largest corruption scandals in recent years as special security forces raided the homes and offices of current and former politicians, including members of parliament, in a coordinated operation that began early morning in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone. According to the Iraqi News Agency, cited by Reuters and AP, 47 individuals were arrested, including parliament members and senior government officials. The raids followed the lifting of parliamentary immunity for some lawmakers and arrest warrants issued by the Special Court for Combating Corruption.

Among the prominent figures mentioned is Iraqi MP Aaliah Nazeef. Social media circulated images and videos showing piles of cash and gold allegedly found at her residence, reportedly exceeding 20 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately 15.5 million USD). However, these claims and the exact amounts have not been independently verified. Additional footage showed a horse farm linked to Nazeef's son, Sajjad, who reportedly held a senior position in the office of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani. Some details remain based on unofficial reports rather than formal statements from Iraqi authorities.

The raids focused on the Green Zone, Baghdad's most secure area housing government institutions, parliament, ministries, and foreign embassies. Some suspects fled before the forces arrived, prompting lockdowns and extensive searches. Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi described the operation as "only the first stage" in the fight against corruption, emphasizing that "public funds must return to the people." The government spokesperson announced that the Ministry of Finance was instructed to open a dedicated account to deposit the seized funds.

The ongoing investigation is linked to testimony from Adnan Al-Jumaili, former Deputy Oil Minister, arrested last month. Authorities are probing allegations of public fund misuse, government contract manipulation, and exploitation of state resources for political campaigns. Among those detained are Muthanna Samarai, a senior Sunni politician and leader of the Al-Azm party, and former officials from the Oil Ministry.

This case follows another recent judicial revelation involving the seizure of assets and funds worth over 85 million USD, some hidden in walls and underground pits nearly four meters deep, alongside luxury vehicles and gold. The scandal has sparked widespread outrage on Iraqi social media, with many demanding that investigations target the "big fish" rather than symbolic arrests. Others expressed cynicism about the contrast between the vast wealth allegedly uncovered and the widespread poverty and failing public services faced by ordinary citizens.