Iraqi security forces arrested the former chairman of the Integrity Committee in the Iraqi Council of Representatives, Talal al-Zobaie, during a joint anti-corruption operation in Baghdad as the government continued its nationwide campaign targeting senior officials accused of corruption.

Former Integrity Committee Chairman Arrested

On Saturday night, the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS), in coordination with the Federal Integrity Commission, carried out a targeted raid in Baghdad's al-Harthiya neighborhood, just outside the Green Zone.

The operation resulted in the arrest of Talal al-Zobaie, who served as chairman of the Iraqi Parliament's Integrity Committee from 2014 to 2018. His parliamentary immunity was lifted in 2019, when judicial authorities also froze his assets and imposed a travel ban.

Heavy Security Deployment Across Baghdad

The arrest coincided with the deployment of tanks and armored military vehicles across major roads in Baghdad, reflecting heightened security during the operation.

Al-Zobaie, a prominent political figure who shifted alliances among several Sunni political blocs during his career, faces multiple corruption charges.

Rumors About Other Officials Remain Unconfirmed

As the operation unfolded, unverified reports circulated claiming that former Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Ahmed al-Asadi had been arrested while carrying millions of dollars. However, no official security authority has confirmed those reports.

Separately, Member of Parliament Hanan al-Fatlawi denied reports that security forces had raided her home, describing the claims as baseless.

Anti-Corruption Campaign Continues

The latest arrest is part of the government's anti-corruption campaign launched in the early hours of June 28.

Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi has previously said the campaign will continue and stressed that no official will be exempt from accountability or prosecution if found guilty of embezzling public funds.