Police have arrested Iraq's former trade minister in connection with
corruption allegations, after he tried to leave the country.
The chairman of the parliamentary integrity committee, Sabah al-Saedi,
told reporters Saturday that ex-minister Falah al-Sudani had tried to
escape on a plane headed to the United Arab Emirates, but the flight
was ordered to turn around so authorities could take him into custody.
Sudani resigned earlier this month and was questioned by parliament
about allegations his relatives at the trade ministry took kickbacks in
return for handing out import contracts.
The trade ministry buys sugar, lentils and other food and household goods to supply a national rationing program.
The accusations led to the arrest of one of the former minister's brothers and prompted another to go into hiding.
Iraqi Prime Minister Maliki is under pressure to tackle government
corruption ahead of a parliamentary election early next year. His
office took over the trade ministry earlier this week.
Iraq's Commission on Public Integrity, which is charged with fighting
graft, announced Wednesday that close to 1,000 officials are being
investigated, including more than 50 high-ranking officials.