High-ranking Iraqi sources revealed that the main motives behind the campaign of arrests that targeted dozens of MPs, government officials and politicians are related to confessions made by the detained Deputy Minister of Oil, Adnan Al-Jumaili, concerning the financing of election campaigns from “public funds.”
Commissions and benefits
Investigating Judge Diaa Jaafar of the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court stated in a press release that "the investigation revealed the involvement of a group of members of Parliament in exploiting state resources for election campaigning and benefiting from government contracts, directly or indirectly, to obtain commissions and personal advantages for themselves and others. This necessitated investigating them and taking legal action against them."
According to the Iraqi judge, "Based on the court's request and the Parliament's communication, the immunity of the accused MPs was lifted by the current Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament. In cooperation with the Federal Integrity Commission and law enforcement agencies, and under the direct supervision of the heads of the Supreme Judicial Council and the Council of Ministers, the arrest warrants issued against them were executed, and they were detained."
He confirmed that "funds and incriminating evidence proving their violations of the law were seized, while some of them remain at large." He noted that "the investigations in this case are ongoing in light of the evidence, and legal action will be taken against political figures and other individuals in the coming period, coinciding with the developments in the investigation."
This coincides with Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi's assertion that the campaign launched by the authorities against corruption cases represents "a first phase," pledging to continue measures to recover public funds.
Al-Zaidi's remarks came during his chairmanship of the eighth regular session of the Council of Ministers, where developments in the country were discussed, agenda items were reviewed, and necessary decisions were made.
A statement from al-Zaidi's office quoted him as saying: "The recent crackdown on corruption is a first phase, and the government will continue to combat corruption and recover public funds. It is tasked with protecting the interests of the Iraqi people, and there will be no leniency in this responsibility."
He added that "the situation has become untenable," noting that "concern for the well-being of Iraqis compels the government to emphasize that there are strong guardians of public funds, and that it will work to ensure their proper utilization."
Al-Zaydi tasked oversight bodies with receiving any indicators related to government performance or the performance of ministries, in order to uncover cases of corruption or negligence. He noted that "Iraq has endured periods of war, chaos, and combating terrorism, and that the government's current course is based on strengthening the state's power and its monopoly on force and weapons, and preventing corrupt individuals from infiltrating the state apparatus to steal public funds."
Al-Zaydi also directed the establishment of an account to deposit funds recovered from those involved in the campaign to pursue those accused of corruption, according to his spokesperson, Haider al-Aboudi.
He added that "the government adopts a comprehensive vision in managing challenges, institutional reform, and combating corruption," explaining that "Operation Dawn resulted in the arrest of 21 suspects, with others being pursued." He emphasized that "Operation Dawn will not stop," referring to the campaign to pursue those accused of corruption.
Al-Aboudi pointed out that "the confessions made by the accused lead to other networks, both in terms of names and funds," clarifying that "the narrative of combating corruption is unlike any before, and protecting public funds is a responsibility that is not affected by individuals or circumstances."
blatant violation
Meanwhile, social media platforms and local news sites began circulating dozens of names, photos, and videos—some generated by artificial intelligence—mentioning the names of political and governmental figures allegedly linked to the government's anti-corruption campaign.
To address this confusion, the Communications and Media Commission issued a statement denouncing the circulation of names and accusations based on unsubstantiated sources as a "clear violation" of the law.
The Commission stated, "In light of the measures taken by state institutions to combat corruption and enforce the law, we call upon all media outlets, satellite and radio channels, and digital platforms to support these national efforts by adhering to the highest standards of professionalism and accuracy in reporting." The statement emphasized the necessity of "obtaining information related to investigations and arrest procedures from official and competent sources, particularly judicial, oversight, and security authorities, and refraining from circulating unconfirmed names or information not issued by official bodies, in order to preserve the integrity of legal procedures, protect individual rights, and prevent the misleading of public opinion." She stressed the importance of “respecting the presumption of innocence and adhering to professional and legal standards in covering these issues, which contributes to enhancing public trust in institutions and supports the state’s efforts in combating corruption and consolidating the rule of law,” explaining that “circulating names and directing accusations based on unknown or undocumented sources constitutes a clear violation of the professional requirements stipulated in Legislative Order No. 65 of 2004 and the applicable broadcasting regulations, and may entail legal consequences for the violating institution.”
A bank account has been opened for depositing refunded amounts… and the Sudanese coalition warns against “smear campaigns.”
Among the names circulating is that of former Finance Minister Taif Sami, with widespread reports claiming she had fled or been arrested as part of what has become known locally as "Operation Dawn." This prompted her office to quickly issue an official denial. The
former minister's office stated, "We categorically deny what has been circulating in some media outlets and social media platforms regarding claims that former Minister Taif Sami has fled Iraq or been arrested as part of what is being described as an anti-corruption campaign launched by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi." The statement clarified that "this information is completely false and is not based on any reliable official source."
The office condemned "the dissemination of inaccurate news and rumors that could mislead public opinion," and called on media outlets, analysts, and activists to "exercise accuracy and professionalism, and rely on official sources before publishing or circulating any information."
The office also called on the Media and Communications Commission to "play its role in monitoring the spread of misleading news and take the necessary measures in accordance with applicable laws, in order to protect media credibility and preserve citizens' right to access accurate and reliable information," noting that "we will take legal action against anyone who spreads these rumors without relying on official sources."
Government information indicates that most of those arrested belong to or are affiliated with the "Reconstruction and Development" coalition, headed by former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani. This has subjected the coalition and its leader to widespread criticism, particularly on social media platforms.
In response, the "Reconstruction and Development" coalition announced its support for the actions of the government, the Supreme Judicial Council, and the relevant authorities, but warned against what it described as "smear campaigns" targeting it.
The coalition said in a press statement: “We express our support for the measures taken by the government, the Supreme Judicial Council, and the relevant authorities against those for whom official arrest warrants have been issued, based on the coalition’s firm belief in the rule of law and the independence of the judiciary.”
It added: “We support the process of referring files related to anti-corruption cases to the judiciary and proceeding with them according to constitutional and legal frameworks, thus reinforcing the principle of accountability, far removed from any political considerations.” The coalition warned against “smear campaigns and the dissemination of false information by corrupt individuals who deliberately seek to muddy the waters for political purposes,” stressing the importance of “relying on accurate information issued by the competent authorities to avoid misleading public opinion.”
Similarly, the “Al-Azm” Alliance, led by Muthanna al-Samarrai, who was targeted in the “Dawn Raid” operation, emphasized the importance of dealing with the recent measures concerning its leader within the framework of constitutional guarantees.
In a press statement, he expressed his position on the arrest of his leader and a number of the coalition’s followers, saying: “The Al-Azm Coalition is following the recent procedures related to the head of the coalition, Engineer Muthanna Al-Samarrai, and a number of the coalition’s deputies and leaders, and emphasizes the importance of dealing with them within the framework of constitutional and legal guarantees that ensure justice and preserve the rights of all parties.”
Respect for the judiciary
The coalition affirmed its “full respect for the Iraqi judiciary and its confidence in its constitutional institutions, and its commitment to cooperating with the relevant authorities within the applicable legal frameworks in a manner that contributes to revealing the truth and establishing justice,” declaring its “confidence in the judiciary as the safeguard of the political process.”
It called on political forces, media outlets, and the public to “avoid preempting judicial proceedings or exploiting them in political and media disputes and rivalries, and to adhere to constitutional principles that guarantee evidence of innocence and the safeguards of a fair trial, thus preserving the prestige of the state and strengthening citizens’ trust in its institutions.”
The coalition also affirmed that “Engineer Muthanna al-Samarrai has been known throughout his political career for his moderate national stances, his continuous commitment to strengthening understanding and partnership among the Iraqi components, and his rejection of divisive, polarizing, and sectarian rhetoric,” noting that “the Azm Alliance has, over the past years, been part of the efforts supporting political stability, strengthening the work of state institutions, and consolidating the democratic process.”
Erbil handed over three MPs and their security detail to Baghdad.
In this context, security authorities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq handed over to their federal counterparts a number of individuals wanted in connection with corruption cases related to Operation Dawn. These individuals were arrested in Erbil, the region's capital.
An informed source revealed that the Kurdistan Region handed over MP Ziyad al-Janabi to the federal government after his arrest in Erbil, according to the state news agency.
Meanwhile, Kurdish news outlets, citing two security sources in Erbil and Kirkuk, reported that the Kirkuk Investigations Office of the Federal Integrity Commission received eight individuals wanted in connection with the corruption arrests from the Kurdistan Region's security authorities. These individuals included three MPs and five executive officials.
According to the same sources, “the handover took place after a team from the Federal Integrity Commission arrived in Kirkuk Governorate. The Kirkuk Investigations Office received eight wanted individuals from security forces at a checkpoint between Erbil and Kirkuk, in preparation for transferring them to Baghdad to complete legal procedures and present them before the competent judicial authorities.” The sources clarified that “the eight wanted individuals are MPs Ziyad al-Janabi, Muhammad al-Mayahi, and Ashwaq al-Jubouri, while the other five are members of their security details.”
Commenting on this, Hoshyar Zebari, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party’s political bureau, affirmed that Iraqi Kurdistan will never be a haven for “criminals, embezzlers of public funds, and the corrupt.”
In a post, he stated that Iraqi Kurdistan “is a bastion of freedom and democracy in Iraq, and has been and remains a refuge for all free Iraqis, the oppressed, and those suffering from human rights violations, but it will never be a haven for criminals, embezzlers of public funds, and the corrupt.”
Prior to this, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) bloc in the Iraqi Parliament expressed its hope that the anti-corruption campaign would not be limited to Baghdad, calling for its expansion to include all Iraqi provinces and cities.
In a statement issued in response to Operation Dawn, the bloc stated that it "supports and welcomes the legal measures taken by the Iraqi Prime Minister, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, in cooperation and coordination with the judiciary and government institutions, within the framework of combating corruption and arresting those involved." The bloc emphasized the importance of "full coordination between the executive and judicial branches to ensure the success of this campaign," noting its "complete readiness to provide all forms of cooperation and support, whether at the federal government level or at the level of local administrations in the provinces, in order to support the efforts of the executive and judicial branches to uncover the facts and establish the rule of law, because citizens deserve honest governance and the restoration of their violated rights."
The bloc concluded its statement by affirming its "full support for taking legal action against every corrupt individual, without any discrimination."
Al-Sadr praises the "heroic campaign"... and Al-Dhari wants to "reveal the fate of the billions looted"
In political terms, Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Shiite National Movement (the Sadr Movement), praised the judiciary and Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi following a campaign of arrests targeting corrupt officials.
In a post yesterday, al-Sadr stated, "The campaign of arrests against corrupt officials launched by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is a heroic reform effort that we hope will continue. This campaign has restored hope to our hearts and the hearts of the Iraqi people after corrupt individuals had seized control of the nation's resources."
He commended "the role of the Iraqi judiciary and the heroic security forces, especially the counter-terrorism and anti-corruption forces."
He further indicated that "in support and encouragement of this reform campaign, Friday prayer imams should lead a peaceful demonstration next Friday, raising the banners of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), the master of reform, during the month of Muharram, the month of reform, and the Iraqi flag exclusively." He concluded by saying, "May you be rewarded on our behalf and on behalf of the nation."
The head of the National State Forces Alliance, Ammar al-Hakim, also welcomed the measures taken by the judicial and executive authorities within the framework of reform and combating corruption.
In a press statement, he said, "I welcome the measures taken by the judicial and executive authorities within the framework of reform and combating corruption," emphasizing that "they represent an important step in establishing the rule of law, protecting public funds, and strengthening citizens' trust in state institutions."
He added that "the success of these efforts requires broad national support, far removed from any political or sectarian considerations," calling on all political and social forces and the media to "support the path of reform and combating corruption in all its forms, and to establish a culture of integrity and accountability, which will contribute to building a strong and just state based on the rule of law, and which preserves the rights and resources of its citizens." The
Iraqi Communist Party, for its part, called for the results of the investigations into the accused to be made public, and for the campaign to encompass all corruption networks without discrimination.
Al-Hakim welcomed the "establishment of the rule of law"... and the Communist Party called for the results of the investigations to be revealed.
In a press statement, the party said, “The Integrity Commission and security forces carried out a campaign of arrests (at dawn on Sunday) targeting a number of members of parliament and officials, for the purpose of investigating them in corruption cases attributed to them.” The statement asserted that the corruption that has taken root in our country for two decades is “a product of sectarian power-sharing and one of its pillars, indeed its other face in the plundering of our country’s wealth and resources.”
The party’s statement further emphasized that “the continuation of this campaign, which has been welcomed by the public, requires that it be translated into concrete action to recover the looted funds, thwart those who have plundered the people’s money, and bring them to justice, both high and low, so that they may be tried. Appropriate legal measures must also be taken against their supporters and those who cover for them.”
He stressed the need for the campaign to "continue and encompass other corruption networks without discrimination or selectivity, and for it to be accompanied by a package of measures aimed at dismantling the sectarian and ethnic division of the state, abolishing the economic offices of political parties and blocs, and emphasizing respect for government contracting mechanisms and regulations, as well as adopting transparency in budget preparation and expenditure, especially for large contracts."
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced his support for the efforts of the judicial and executive authorities following the recent measures to prosecute corrupt individuals, considering the fight against corruption a national responsibility.
From a Sunni perspective, Jamal al-Dhari, Secretary-General of the Iraqi National Project, called for anti-corruption measures to include all cases of theft, waste, and smuggling of public funds from 2003 to the present. According to a press statement from his office, al-Dhari stated that "the measures taken by the judiciary and the Iraqi government to open corruption files and hold those involved accountable are a fundamental step towards restoring the prestige of the state and establishing the rule of law," noting the necessity of "revealing the fate of the billions looted from previous budgets and holding those responsible accountable."
