Iraqi Court: MPs Used State Resources for Election Campaigns, More Arrests Expected in Expanding Corruption Probe

Peregraf- The investigating judge of Iraq's Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court said the corruption investigation involving former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili began in October 2025 after the court received multiple reports alleging that election candidates financed their campaigns by exploiting state resources with the support of influential figures in the previous government.

In a statement published Sunday by Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council, the Judge Diaa Jaafar said months of evidence collection and investigations led to the arrest of al-Jumaili. His interrogation allegedly revealed the involvement of several members of parliament in misappropriating public funds for electoral purposes and illegally profiting from government contracts, either directly or through intermediaries.

The judge said the court requested the lifting of parliamentary immunity for the accused lawmakers. After the Speaker of Parliament approved the request under Iraqi law, arrest warrants were executed in coordination with the Federal Commission of Integrity and security forces, under the direct supervision of the President of the Supreme Judicial Council and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

According to the judge, authorities seized cash and other evidence linking the suspects to the alleged offenses. He added that some suspects remain at large and that investigations are continuing, with additional political figures and other individuals expected to face legal action as the case expands.

Separately, the Iraqi News Agency (INA), citing high-level sources, reported that those arrested include Azm Coalition leader and MP Muthanna al-Samarrai; MPs Ziyad al-Janabi, Bahaa al-Nouri, Muhammad al-Karbouli, Alia Nassif, Muhammad Jamil al-Mayahi, Hassan al-Khafaji, Abdul Rahman al-Luwayzi, Mudar al-Karwi, Hind al-Abassi, Muhammad Farman al-Jubouri, and Bushra al-Qaisi; former MP Muhammad al-Sayhud; Deputy Oil Minister for Distribution Affairs Ali Maaraj; and Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie.

The investigation is one of Iraq's largest recent anti-corruption cases. Judicial authorities have previously announced the recovery of more than 98 billion Iraqi dinars and $11 million in cash, along with the seizure of 70 properties, 21 vehicles, and approximately 3 kilograms of gold linked to the case.