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Official linked to Moqtada Al-Sadr arrested over corruption

BAGHDAD, Feb 8 (KUNA) -- The Multi-National Force (MNF) said Thursday an official at the Ministry of Health had been arrested over claims of corruption.

American and Iraqi troops arrested the MoH uundersecretary, Hakem Al-Zamli, earlier today, at the Ministry premises in Baghdad.

A statement by the Multi-National Force said "Special Iraqi Army Forces captured a senior Ministry of Health official today, who is suspected of being a central figure in alleged corruption and Jaysh Al-Mahdi (Al-Mahdi Army or Al-Sadr militia) infiltration of the MoH." It added that "The suspect is implicated in the deaths of several MoH officials, to include the MoH Director General in Diyala Province." The director's name was not revealed.

According to the statement Al-Zamli "is reported to openly intimidate and threaten MoH officials who disagree with and question his actions." It also pointed out that the suspect reportedly "orchestrates several kickback schemes related to inflated contracts on MoH equipment and services. These kickbacks are funneled to JAM elements to support sectarian attacks and violence targeting Iraqi civilians." He is suspected of funding JAM through large scale employment of militia members.

The Multi-National Force did not disclose if the charges against Al-Zamli were filed by the American military or the Iraqi government but it referred to reports that the militia members targeted Iraqi civilians using the Ministry's facilities and services for sectarian kidnapping and murder. Al-Zamli's corruption is believed to have provided millions of U.S. dollars into JAM.

In a phone call with Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), a ministry source said a joint military force disarmed all the ministry guards who stood aside as the arrest was carried out in the ministry building.

According to the MoH Inspector General, Adel Mohsen, the forces had broken into the building, beat employees, broke windows and doors, fired arms and then led Al-Zamli away.

The raid took place during the weekly meeting of the Iraqi Cabinet; Minister of Health All- Al-Shimri, was attending the meeting presided over by PM Nouri Al-Maliki.

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense said it had not known about the arrest.

Mohsen noted that he had contacted the Iraqi military who said they had no idea.

US and Iraqi troops have repeatedly carried out "mop-up" operations targeting hideouts of the hardline Shiite organization, charged with involvement in "sectarian cleansing" acts.( pick up previous) mhg.

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KUNA 081549 Feb 07NNNN

http://www.kuna.net.kw/home/story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=950276