Iraqi anti-corruption body dismantles eight-member scrap iron smuggling network in Maysan

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity said it dismantled an eight-member network accused of smuggling scrap iron out of Maysan province in cooperation with officials at several state agencies. The commission said its investigation team identified the group collecting scrap on state-owned land and preparing to ship it abroad. Raids were carried out at three sites within municipal boundaries, and the eight suspects were caught in the act of gathering and selling the iron material, according to the commission. Evidence gathered by the Maysan Investigation Office of the Commission of Integrity was submitted to the relevant misdemeanor court handling corruption cases. The court ordered the suspects investigated under Article 340 of the Iraqi Penal Code, the commission said. The Federal Commission of Integrity added that investigations into the unlawful use of state resources would continue.