Kirkuk: The Federal Integrity Commission has announced the arrest of a local government official in the Kirkuk Governorate, who was caught in the act of accepting a bribe. The official was found to be extorting citizens and contractors, demanding money in exchange for completing transactions related to her job responsibilities.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the commission detailed that a team from the Kirkuk Investigation Office was tasked with investigating reports suggesting that the head of the operations department in the Kirkuk Water Resources Directorate was involved in soliciting bribes from clients and investors. The official allegedly demanded these payments in exchange for issuing necessary documents for investment projects.

The commission revealed that the investigation team, after securing authorization from the Kirkuk Investigation Court judge specializing in integrity cases, executed a carefully planned sting operation. The operation led to the official being apprehended while receiving a bribe for issuing a 'no conflict' letter needed for an investment project in fish farming. The authorities also seized related books and documents during the operation.

A formal seizure report was compiled following the operation, in compliance with the provisions of Resolution No. (160 of 1983). This report, along with the accused and the evidence, has been submitted to the competent investigating judge to pursue legal proceedings against the individual involved.