Iraq anti-corruption body warns of impostors soliciting money in its name

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Anti-Corruption Commission said on Saturday that its operations in Baghdad and other cities are being carried out in line with judicial rulings and legal procedures. The commission warned that some individuals have been exploiting the campaign by posing as commission staff to threaten citizens and investors and extort money from them. The body urged government institutions, investors and members of the public to verify the identity of anyone contacting them claiming to represent the commission. It cautioned against trusting individuals acting on its behalf through unofficial channels, saying they are seeking personal gain under the cover of work conducted in coordination with the judiciary and executive authorities. The commission called on anyone encountering suspicious activity to contact its free hotline at 154 and to cooperate in catching the suspects in the act. No further details on the number of reported cases or pending investigations were immediately available.