Iraqi authorities have seized 825 pounds of gold and $96 million in cash in a series of anti-corruption operations, arresting 21 people, including government officials and lawmakers. The raids were linked to the May arrest of former deputy oil minister Adnan Al-Jumaili on corruption charges.
Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, who took office in May, has vowed to combat systemic graft. A government official, speaking anonymously to CBS News, called the crackdown "unexpected" due to past inaction by previous administrations. The seized assets also include real estate, vehicles, and additional gold, totaling $120 million.
Key Developments
- Seizures: 790 pounds of gold recovered in one operation, 37 pounds in another, plus $10.6 million in Iraqi dinar found in a drainage pit.
- Scope: The probe focuses on the oil sector, with plans to expand to other sectors.
- Response: The gold has been returned to Iraq’s central bank. A government spokesperson told Al Jazeera the seized funds include $24 million in real estate and vehicles.
Context & Challenges
The operation marks a rare enforcement action in Iraq, where corruption has long been entrenched. Previous leaders have promised reforms but failed to deliver. The anonymous official noted the campaign’s surprise timing and its potential to signal a shift in governance.
An investigative judge at Iraq’s Central Anti-Corruption Court, Diaa Jaafar, confirmed the gold seizures but provided no further details. The government’s spokesperson, Haider al-Aboudi, emphasized the scale of corruption exposed by the case.