BAGHDAD — The April 18 arrest of Jamal al-Karbouli, head of a prominent Sunni bloc in parliament, as part of the Iraqi government’s continuing attempts to crack down on corruption was unexpected and could influence the country’s Oct. 10 parliamentary elections.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi had pledged to fight Iraq’s dismal reputation for widespread corruption when he was sworn in on May 6, 2020. In August, he then issued an administrative order to form a committee linked directly to his office to investigate corruption cases.

Karbouli is head of the National Movement for Reform and Development (al-Hal) party and is from a family that has in recent decades played an influential role in the economic, media and political spheres. He trained as a medical doctor and has held several roles in the Iraqi Red Crescent Society, including as its president in 2003.

He was until recently allied with Iraqi parliament speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi, as was his brother, Mohammed, a prominent parliament member for Anbar province. A source close to the brothers told Al-Monitor on April 20 that Mohammed had initially been accused of involvement as well, but the charges against him had been dropped.