Iraq arrests former governor and businessman over alleged corruption

Iraqui authorities have apprehended Ahmed Al Jabouri, the previous governor of Salaheddin province, and a businessman associated with him, on suspicion of corruption. Al Jabouri, also recognized as Abu Mazin, was apprehended in Baghdad, as per a government official who spoke to The National. Concurrently, businessman Mohammed Al Hajaf was taken into custody in Salaheddin province.

Both individuals are facing corruption allegations tied to the mishandling of government contracts and kickbacks estimated in the millions, according to the official. The government official did not provide further details as the investigation is ongoing. This arrest is part of Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's ongoing anti-corruption campaign, which also targets "political corruption" - the misuse of public office to establish financial networks.

The raids follow the State Administration Coalition, the coalition of Shiite, Sunni, and Kurdish parties backing the government, reiterating their commitment to the anti-corruption drive. Since assuming office, Prime Minister Al Zaidi has prioritized fighting graft, focusing on recovering public funds, prosecuting officials accused of contract fraud, and enhancing oversight of state institutions.

The campaign has already led to the arrest of Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al Jumaili, whose detention resulted in the recovery of millions in cash, gold, and properties. Other senior government officials and lawmakers have also been detained as part of the initiative. Al Zaidi has emphasized that the drive is both an economic and political necessity, given the challenges posed by volatile oil markets and the impact of the US-Iran conflict on Gulf shipping.

The Integrity Commission reported a surge in investigations and arrests in the first half of the year, particularly concerning construction contracts, oil derivatives, and public land allocations. In July alone, the commission issued 26 arrest warrants against senior officials. Al Jabouri is a controversial figure from the post-Saddam Hussein era, having served as the minister of state for provincial affairs from 2014 to 2015, governor of Salaheddin province, and a former member of parliament.

The province, located north of Baghdad, was severely affected by the ISIS conflict and has since benefited from major reconstruction projects funded by both the federal budget and international donors. Corruption allegations have frequently centered on the allocation of infrastructure, electricity, and energy contracts. Federal audits have previously identified irregularities in projects within the province.

The arrest of Al Hajaf indicates that authorities are investigating the flow of funds from awarded projects to individuals and entities linked to government officials, politicians, and political parties. Iraq has consistently ranked among the world's most corrupt countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perceptions Index, a situation rooted in decades of war, sanctions, and a political system characterized by patronage, where political parties and armed groups wield influence over state appointments and contracting.