Zaidi puts Interior Ministry at forefront of Iraq’s war on corruption
BAGHDAD – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Saturday declared there would be “no tolerance” for corruption “regardless of the affiliation of those involved”, describing the Interior Ministry as the government’s “hand” in fighting graft as he signalled a greater reliance on the security establishment to drive an expanding anti-corruption campaign.
Zaidi made the remarks during a visit to the Interior Ministry headquarters, where he chaired a meeting with senior ministry officials and security commanders to review security plans and the government’s anti-corruption efforts, according to a statement from his office.
He said the government would continue pursuing corrupt officials and recovering public funds, while directing the Integrity Commission, the Federal Board of Supreme Audit and the security forces to intensify investigations into corruption cases, calling the issue “a key public demand”.
By portraying the Interior Ministry as the government’s principal instrument against corruption, Zaidi appeared to place the security apparatus at the centre of efforts to dismantle criminal networks, relying on its investigative, intelligence and operational capabilities to trace financial flows, gather evidence and pursue those suspected of orchestrating major corruption schemes rather than only those carrying them out.
The emphasis follows what Iraqi authorities have described as successful recent operations by Interior Ministry agencies that led to the arrest of suspects linked to high-profile financial and administrative corruption cases, reinforcing government hopes that closer coordination between security bodies, judicial authorities and oversight agencies will accelerate complex investigations, recover stolen public assets and strengthen accountability.
Zaidi also welcomed the broad political backing the campaign has received, thanking Shiite National Movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr, parliament, the Supreme Judicial Council, political parties and tribal leaders for supporting the government’s anti-corruption drive.
The campaign has gained additional momentum after parliament cooperated with judicial requests to lift immunity from several lawmakers, a move Iraqi officials have described as marking a new phase in efforts to pursue senior figures accused of corruption.
Only days ago, Iraqi authorities announced the detention of dozens of suspects in major financial and administrative corruption cases, including members of parliament and officials whose legal immunity had been lifted.
The arrests followed confessions linked to former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili, who was dismissed on June 2, 2026, over allegations involving the misuse of public funds and the awarding of illegal contracts.
The government has said the latest arrests represent only the first phase of a broader campaign aimed at dismantling corruption networks and demonstrating that no official is beyond the reach of the law.