40 people at risk of arrest in Iraq corruption probe, political sources say

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Political sources say about 40 people face possible arrest in an ongoing corruption investigation in Iraq, though only 27 suspects have so far been detained in the case. Judicial sources familiar with the matter said the file is linked to former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Jamili, with seized funds already exceeding $250 million, though a full accounting has not been completed. A source briefed on the inquiry told media that roughly 40 individuals are named in the case file but have not yet been taken into custody. Political sources also said rival political factions are preparing files against one another, with each side calling for investigations into ministries controlled by opponents. A senior Shia politician, identified by former cabinet role and reported to be in contention for a ministry in the current government, said allied blocs have pressured him to give up his seat and threatened him with prosecution. Speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations, he said he could be stripped of the ministry and face a case against him. The politician is currently living outside Iraq, according to the sources, and has recently been competing with larger factions over ministry allocations. No further details were immediately available on additional detentions or the next steps in the investigation.