Iraq issues arrest warrant for Trade Ministry director general over corruption allegations

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An Iraqi judicial authority has issued an arrest warrant for Hashim Mohammed Hatem, director general of the state-run General Company for Automobiles and Machinery Trade under the Ministry of Trade, on suspicion of corruption linked to contracts with the Ministry of Defense, according to official sources. The investigation is examining allegations of inflated prices compared with market rates, the use of intermediary companies, and the supply of vehicles, equipment and spare parts that did not meet the technical specifications set out in certain contracts. Investigators are also looking into claims that some shipments and equipment listed in official documents were never actually received, and that payments were made to officials to expedite contract approvals and disbursements. Hatem was appointed to his current position in 2020. He began his career in state institutions in 1993 and moved from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Trade in 2008. The allegations remain under investigation and are subject to official evidence and judicial findings, with legal proceedings continuing, the sources said. No further details were immediately available.