Iraq detains senior defence ministry officers in $70M military hospital corruption probe

It said the agreement with a foreign company was awarded through direct contracting rather than a competitive bidding process, with several items found to be significantly overpriced.

The commission added that multiple amendments to the contract substantially increased its estimated value.

The suspects were referred to the competent investigating judge to complete legal proceedings, it said.

The arrests are the latest in Iraq’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has seen dozens of lawmakers, senior officials and other public figures detained in recent weeks.

The campaign has expanded following statements by former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al-Jumaili, who was detained over a public fund mismanagement case and contracts found to be in violation of the law after being dismissed from office on June 2.