Iraq suspends officials over alleged corruption in Baiji refinery contracts

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi authorities have removed Ahmed Hamid Zayn al-Din, director general of the General Steel Industry Company, and several of his deputies from their posts amid a corruption investigation into contracts linked to the Baiji Refinery, officials said. The contracts under review are valued at roughly 300 billion Iraqi dinars. According to sources cited in the inquiry, initial findings point to suspected corruption in the contracts and indicate that a significant portion of the funds was channeled to influential parties. Investigators are continuing to examine documents and files connected to the case. Zayn al-Din is also named in separate files concerning the theft and sale of scrap metal within the Ministry of Industry and Minerals, the sources said. He has previously faced administrative penalties and sanctions imposed by earlier investigative commissions on related matters. The Baiji Refinery case has renewed scrutiny of oversight mechanisms governing government contracts and the handling of public funds. No further details on the scope of the investigation or potential charges were immediately available.