Iraq removes 3,850 illegal electricity connections in nationwide campaign

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Electricity Ministry said it has removed 3,850 illegal electricity connections as part of a national campaign supervised by Prime Minister Ali Ziyadi and Electricity Minister Ali Saadi Wahab. Ministry spokesman Ahmed Jawad said the operation targets three core areas and that individuals found in violation are referred to the judiciary. Jawad told reporters that 2,008 violators have been prosecuted in court since the campaign began. He said the disconnection of illegal connections has helped protect 29.697 billion dinars in state resources. The spokesman also addressed recent dismissals at the ministry, saying the decisions were based on two main grounds: an assessment of government performance carried out by the General Secretariat, and integrity and judicial processes aimed at combating financial and administrative corruption. No further details on the campaign's timeline or next phases were immediately provided.