Sitting MP sentenced to two years for soliciting $50,000 bribe

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Federal Commission of Integrity announced Thursday that a Baghdad court had sentenced sitting lawmaker Mohammed Nasser Dali al-Karbouli to two years in prison after convicting him of soliciting a bribe in exchange for intervening in a public office matter.

The commission said the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court found Karbouli guilty of requesting $50,000 to intervene in closing investigative committees formed against the complainant at the First Karkh Directorate of Education, and to ensure he remained in his position as a school principal.

The court also imposed a fine of 10 million dinars, about $7,600 at the official rate. It reviewed the evidence and found it sufficient to convict before issuing its ruling under Decision No. 160 of 1983.

The ruling comes as Iraqi authorities continue a broad anti-corruption campaign that expanded following the arrest of former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili in May.

State media previously reported that Karbouli was among 15 political figures and officials allegedly detained following confessions attributed to Jumaili, as part of a wider operation authorities said resulted in the arrest of 47 lawmakers and officials.

The campaign has since led to the recovery of large sums of cash, hundreds of kilograms of gold, commercial properties, flour mills, vehicles and other assets allegedly linked to the Jumaili investigation, while judicial authorities say efforts to trace illicit proceeds and prosecute those involved remain ongoing.