ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – A top Iraqi court on Sunday issued an arrest warrant for Iraq’s former Labor and Social Affairs Minister Ahmed al-Asadi, over charges of money laundering, illicit enrichment, and illegal contracts, amid Baghdad’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.

According to the court document, a copy of which was obtained by The New Region, Asadi was charged with Article 319 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which concerns the exploitation of public office for personal financial gain.

The court accused the former minister of “directly benefiting from contracts and projects he was involved in preparing as Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, by passing contracts in violation of the law to obtain a benefit for himself and others.”

Asadi is the leader of the Sumerians Movement and was a key ally of former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani. His party was a part of Sudani’s Reconstruction and Development Coalition before leaving in mid-May.

His movement occupies five seats in the Iraqi parliament.

The arrest warrant comes amid an anti-corruption crackdown by Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi that started with a sweeping raid of Baghdad’s Green Zone in late June, which saw the arrest of several high-ranking Iraqi officials.

On Saturday, state media reported the arrest of former Salahaddin Governor Ahmed al-Jubouri, also known as Abu Mazin, on corruption charges. His office later confirmed the news of his arrest to The New Region.

Zaidi’s clampdown on corruption has witnessed widespread support across the Iraqi political sphere, including the ruling Coordination Framework.

 The Iraqi government officially confirmed that at least 21 people were detained during the crackdown operation – dubbed Operation Dawn – on corruption charges, in late June. Iraqi state media had initially reported that 47 people were arrested.

Among those detained were Sunni Azm Alliance leader Muthanna al-Samarrai, former Wasit Governor Mohammed Jamil al-Mayahi, Oil Ministry Undersecretary Ali Ma’arij al-Bahadli, and Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie, a senior adviser to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.