Iraqi anti-corruption body issues arrest warrants over alleged bribery at Kirkuk traffic directorate

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Commission on Integrity has issued arrest warrants against multiple officers and employees of the Kirkuk Traffic Directorate over alleged bribery, a source from the body said. The warrants target Brigadier General Mohammed Ismail Ali, the directorate chief, and Colonel Mohammed Atiyya Mohammed, the directorate's affairs chief, along with several other personnel. Among those named in the warrants are Colonel Selwan Zaki Mahfouz, Colonel Hussein Nizar Hammoudi, Major Azhar Hazir Resen and traffic policeman Heysam Hassan Ahmed, according to the source. Commissioner Ali Yaseen Fendi, affairs commissioner Delir Abdullah Mohammed and directorate employee Ibrahim Juma Ali are also included in the case. The source said the warrants stem from an ongoing investigation into bribery allegations and that legal proceedings against the suspects are continuing. No further details were immediately available on the specific accusations or the amounts allegedly involved.