Former Iraqi Trade Minister Arrested on Graft Charges

Authorities order his plane to turn around

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted May 30, 2009 1:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – Iraq’s erstwhile trade minister has been arrested on charges of corruption, the BBC reports. Abdul Falah Sudani resigned his post earlier this month after allegations emerged that he and other officials in his department were embezzling government funds. The dramatic capture today occurred after police requested Sudani’s flight to Dubai turn back in midair; the former minister was then arrested at Baghdad's airport.

Sudani's arrest is one of the biggest in years and part of larger government operation to weed out corruption, the Washington Post notes. Among other things, he's accused of stealing public money, importing expired foods, and putting two brothers and other relatives on the payroll. "We will not remain silent over corruption after today," Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki said last week.

Iraqis descend the steps of the plane at Baghdad airport. (AP Photo)

Iraqi Trade minister Abdul-Falah Al-Sudani, right, with his Syrian counterpart Amer Hussni Luttfi in Damascus. (AP Photo)

Trade Minister Abdul-Falah Al-Sudani, center. (AP Photo)

Baghdad airport. (AP Photo)

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Authorities order his plane to turn around

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Authorities order his plane to turn around

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MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Chicago the US Corruption Capital

Study shows more convictions there than any other federal jurisdiction

Politician's Wife Busted With $79K in Bra

She hid cash as FBI waited at door; bribery charges likely

Iraq Breaks Political Deadlock

Maliki will return as PM under tentative deal

Iraq to Pay $400M to Saddam's US Victims

Deal will help lift UN sanctions

Anti-US Cleric Pushes for New Iraqi Government

Al-Sadr meets with Maliki's main rival

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