Three grain office workers arrested in Iraq's Maysan for alleged bribery

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Federal Integrity Commission said three employees at a state grain silo in Maysan province were arrested for accepting bribes from farmers delivering wheat. The agency said the suspects served on the direct implementation committee responsible for loading, unloading and cleaning operations at the Amara silo operated by the General Company for Grain Trade. According to the commission, the workers collected separate payments from farmers for each vehicle delivering wheat to the silo. Officials noted that the costs of unloading grain, heavy machinery and labor are covered by the state through a dedicated budget. Investigators determined the suspects compelled farmers to make the payments. The three were referred to a Maysan investigative court judge under Article 340 of the Iraqi Penal Code, and legal proceedings have been initiated, the commission said.