Iraq arrests six over alleged corruption in Anbar road maintenance project

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission said on Thursday that six people, including the head of a municipal unit in Anbar province, were arrested over alleged corruption tied to a road maintenance project in the Saqlawiyah subdistrict. The commission said an investigation found that advance payments earmarked for road renovation and maintenance work in Saqlawiyah were disbursed and received in violation of procedures. According to the commission, the project was classified as "phantom" in official documents, resulting in public funds being lost. Those detained include the deputy head of the municipal unit as well as the chairs and members of the project's implementation and delivery committees. The Ramadi prosecutor, who oversees corruption investigations, ordered the suspects detained under Article 340 of the Iraqi Penal Code. The suspects were referred to court as the inquiry proceeds. The commission said the case has been added to its broader portfolio of ongoing corruption files. No further details were immediately available.