BAGHDAD, Oct 18 (Reuters) - Iraqi authorities have called for the arrest of Trade Minister Mohammed Abdul Kareem and his brother following a corruption investigation, judicial spokesman Abdul-Sattar al-Birqdar said on Sunday.

Two officials at the trade ministry's legal section said the minister faced charges related to accepting bribes, receiving illegal benefits, and misusing his position.

A year in office, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has taken steps aimed at overhauling a political system which doles out positions along ethnic and sectarian lines, creating powerful patronage networks.

(Reporting by Ahmed Rasheed; Editing by Michael Georgy and Mark Potter) ((stephen.kalin@thomsonreuters.com; +961 81639179; Reuters Messaging: stephen.kalin.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))