Iraqi anti-corruption body arrests bribery ring in Kirkuk

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Commission on Public Integrity said its Kirkuk investigation office dismantled a network accused of accepting bribes to fast-track transactions for citizens outside legal procedures. The suspects include police officers, traffic department employees and office owners, the commission said. According to the commission, the group exploited their official positions to process paperwork in exchange for money, bypassing standard procedures. Investigators determined the suspects had abused their roles to carry out irregular transactions. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the suspects, and the inquiry is continuing to determine the scope of the network's activities and any connected parties, the commission added. Local sources in Kirkuk said the operation followed an extended period of surveillance and examination.