High-ranking officials detained in Kirkuk bribery and forgery probe

KIRKUK, Iraq — Several high-ranking police officers and civil servants have been detained as part of an investigation into allegations of bribery and forgery within state institutions in Kirkuk. According to a security source, judicial arrest warrants were issued for several individuals, some of whom surrendered to authorities on Friday. The detentions followed statements provided by defendants who were arrested and questioned approximately one week ago. Among those taken into custody are two department managers affiliated with the Ministry of Interior. The Kirkuk office of the Commission for Combating Corruption carried out the arrest warrants in coordination with relevant security units. The investigation focuses on suspicions of bribery and forgery within official institutions in the city. Authorities stated that inquiries are ongoing to identify all responsible parties.