Former Iraqi Minister arrested while trying to flee the country

Former Minister of Trade of Iraq, Salah Abdul Sudani arrested at the airport in Baghdad while trying to flee the country. He managed to fly to the United Arab Emirates, but the plane returned to the Iraqi capital.

Sudani was accused of corruption and embezzlement of funds intended for food program. He accused the purchase abroad of substandard products, and the conclusion of the illegal transactions. In connection with these charges Sudan was forced to resign.

Besides the ex-Minister, under suspicion are his two brothers. They are accused of accepting bribes amounting to millions of dollars. One of the brothers was also arrested while trying to flee the country.

The Iraqi Commission Against Corruption has issued nearly a thousand orders for the arrest of officials suspected of abuses. Nearly half of the list figures occupy high positions in the Iraqi power structure.