Former Saladin governor detained in Baghdad on graft accusations

Ahmed al-Jubouri, ex-governor of Iraq’s Saladin province, was taken into custody in Baghdad on charges of embezzling provincial contract funds.

Iraqi authorities apprehended Ahmed al-Jubouri, the former governor of Saladin province, in Baghdad on suspicion of diverting funds from provincial contracts, according to a senior government source cited by the Iraqi News Agency. The same source indicated that businessman Mohammed al-Hajaf, described as al-Jubouri’s close associate, faced identical charges and was arrested in Saladin. Al-Jubouri, who led Saladin from 2013 to 2014 and later served as minister of state for provincial affairs, currently acts as secretary general of the National Masses Party, a coalition partner in parliament.

Neither suspect has issued a public response. Their detention comes days after the State Administration Coalition reaffirmed its commitment to the anti-graft campaign supporting Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s efforts, amid a recent wave of arrests of officials and seizure of large sums of cash. The party posted a supportive message on social media, praising al-Jubouri’s work for vulnerable citizens.