The Federal Integrity Commission, in coordination with the Iraqi National Security Service (INSS), arrested six customs employees at an outpost between Kirkuk and Erbil for public misconduct on Tuesday, while a suspect fled a separate raid earlier that morning.

The Commission stated on Tuesday that the suspects were arrested at the Darman customs outpost during an operation executed by the Kirkuk Investigation Office based on a judicial warrant.

The Commission noted that the operation was executed in coordination with the INSS in Kirkuk.

According to the Commission, "the arrested individuals engaged in extortion against citizens, intentionally refusing to process their legitimate customs paperwork unless they were forced to pay sums of money."

The detained suspects were brought before the specialized investigative judge under the provisions of Decree 160 of 1983 to initiate legal proceedings against them.

Oil-Sector Suspect Flees Armored SWAT Raid in Kirkuk 

Meanwhile, Channel8 has learned that a special unit of the Kirkuk SWAT forces, in coordination with the Integrity Commission’s Investigation Office, deployed a convoy of armored Humvees and military vehicles to the Raparin neighborhood.

Security forces surrounded two residences where the suspect, a wanted individual who operates within the oil sector and does not hold an official government post, was believed to be hiding.

A security source stated that the search operation lasted for several hours, targeting the arrest of the suspect and the freezing of his assets.

However, the suspect had already fled, and no money or physical assets were discovered inside the properties.

The arrest warrant remains active as security forces continue their search.

Iraq's Massive Anti-Corruption Drive Continues 

The Iraqi government has launched a massive anti-corruption crackdown following the high-profile arrest of senior oil official Adnan al-Jumaili.

The sweeping operation has led to the detention of dozens of lawmakers and political leaders, recovering over $130 million in state assets, including 375 kilograms of gold and cash hidden in storm drains.

Prior to the recent operations, Kirkuk’s first major action under the anti-corruption drive occurred on June 24, when authorities arrested six customs officials at the Chiman checkpoint on bribery and extortion charges.