Iraq arrests eight in Defense Ministry corruption probe, including senior officers

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity said eight people, including a brigadier general, a colonel, a major general and five engineers, were detained in an operation at the Defense Ministry's Directorate of Military Affairs. The commission said its field team, working with the Rapid Response Forces, carried out arrest warrants issued by the Central Criminal Court investigating judge handling corruption cases. According to the commission, the probe centers on a contract worth more than 92.883 billion Iraqi dinars signed between the Directorate of Military Affairs and a foreign company. Investigators found suspected financial and administrative corruption in the deal, which they said was awarded through direct contracting without regard to price competition. The commission said the contract contained excessive pricing on multiple items and numerous amendments that raised the estimated cost. Officials prepared a formal record under Article 340 of the Iraqi Penal Code before transferring the suspects and seized documents to the competent investigating judge. Security sources separately confirmed that the director general of Military Affairs was taken into custody on corruption charges. No further details on the investigation were immediately available.