Iraqi security force shuts down Central Iraq Electricity Distribution finance unit, detains director

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A security force in Baghdad shut down the finance department of the Central Iraq Electricity Distribution Company over alleged financial corruption and irregularities, according to local reports. The force entered the company's headquarters and suspended the unit's operations entirely as initial information indicated corruption in some financial transactions. In a separate operation, the same security force raided a private office linked to the home of Ala Samir, the company's director general, in the Mansur district in western Baghdad and took him into custody. Security sources said the detention followed the arrest of a company employee named Mahmud a day earlier. No official statement had been issued by the relevant authorities at the time of reporting.