Iraq Seizes Another 14 Billion IQD in Expanding Deputy Oil Minister Corruption Case
Peregraf- Iraqi authorities have seized an additional 14 billion Iraqi dinars (IQD) as part of the expanding corruption investigation involving former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili, the Iraqi judiciary announced on Wednesday.
According to the Iraqi judiciary's media office, the investigating judge of the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court said the cash was recovered during ongoing efforts to trace financial proceeds allegedly generated through the misuse of public funds in projects linked to al-Jumaili and his associates.
The judge said the money was hidden inside a rainwater drainage pit and was discovered through what he described as precise investigative work.
He added that investigations are continuing to identify all individuals involved in the case.
WATCH: Iraqi judicial authorities have released video showing investigators recovering 14 billion #IQD hidden in a rainwater drainage pit as part of the expanding #corruption investigation into former Deputy #Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili. The probe has now recovered 141 billion… https://t.co/648UUNnDAV pic.twitter.com/Y1sRwOpRDs
The latest seizure comes days after the Supreme Judicial Council announced the recovery of an additional 25 billion IQD, $1 million, and approximately 5 kilograms of gold jewelry, which investigators said had been hidden inside plastic water bottles at al-Jumaili's residence in Tikrit.
With the newest recovery, Iraqi authorities have now seized a total of 141 billion Iraqi dinars, $24 million, in addition to confiscating numerous properties, vehicles, and gold jewelry linked to the investigation.
Iraqi authorities continue a sweeping anti-corruption campaign centered on al-Jumaili, whose case has expanded to include numerous members of parliament and senior government officials.
The broader investigation has already resulted in the arrest of dozens of MPs and senior government officials during operations launched on June 28 and in the days that followed. Judicial authorities have said additional arrests and legal measures are expected as the corruption probe continues to expand.