Karbala court arrests 10 in bribery, extortion case

KARBALA — The Karbala Investigative Court announced Tuesday the arrest of a network of 10 employees from the Directorate of Retirement and Social Insurance at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs, including the department’s director, on charges of bribery and extortion.

The judiciary’s media office said the arrests were made under the supervision of a specialized investigative judge. “Investigations began after evidence confirmed their involvement in extorting company and shop owners,” the statement said.

Authorities seized 3 billion Iraqi dinars ($2,111,100) in cash and several recently acquired vehicles “obtained through illegal means.” The court also issued orders to place a precautionary freeze on properties owned by the suspects.

The Supreme Judicial Council stated that investigations are ongoing in line with the provisions concerning bribery and extortion crimes.