Iraqi ministry official arrested on corruption charges

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi security forces have detained Haşim al-Sudani, director of the General Automobile Company under the Ministry of Trade, on corruption allegations, security sources said. Sources told Shafaq News that al-Sudani was taken into custody over suspected irregularities in a contract signed with the Ministry of Defense, including allegations of procedural violations and financial misconduct. An investigation has been opened into the detained official, according to the sources. No further details on the contract's contents or the specific allegations were immediately disclosed. It remains unclear when al-Sudani will be referred to the judiciary or what stage the investigation has reached. Officials said additional information could be released as the inquiry progresses.