Interior Ministry uncovers ID card violations in Anbar, refers 11 staff to court

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Interior Ministry said Saturday it had uncovered violations in the issuance of national ID cards in Anbar governorate during the period of ISIS control, referring 11 officers and employees to court.

In a statement, the ministry said an audit of civil records in Al-Qaim district on Dec. 8, 2024, revealed “violations in registering some cases and exploiting them to issue national ID cards during the control of ISIS over courts and health departments.”

It said investigative boards were formed and 11 officers, commissioners and employees were referred to Internal Security Forces courts. The ministry added that anyone found guilty will be dismissed, and that incorrect records have been frozen and improperly issued ID cards canceled.

Separately, the ministry reported that a security operation on Aug. 21 in the Salhiya district of Baghdad led to the arrest of 16 Iraqis and 24 Syrians accused of violating Iraq’s Residency Law. The operation was carried out with the Anti-Crime Directorate under the supervision of a Karkh investigative judge at a residential complex under construction in the Al-Alawi–Salhiya area.

The ministry said it “will remain vigilant against all cases of corruption and violations” and vowed to enforce the law to protect security and state authority.