Iraqi Judiciary Seizes 69 Billion IQD in Assets in Expanding Oil Ministry Corruption Probe

Peregraf — Iraqi judicial authorities have ordered the seizure of nine commercial properties and three flour mills worth a combined estimated 69 billion Iraqi dinars (IQD) (approximately $52.7 million), along with seven modern transport trucks each valued at about $200,000, as part of the expanding corruption investigation involving detained former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili. 

According to the Iraqi judiciary's media office, the Nineveh Investigation Court for Integrity Cases said the assets were confiscated in connection with money laundering and financial corruption allegations involving al-Jumaili and his associates.

The court said the market value of the commercial properties, located in central Mosul, is approximately 45 billion IQD (approximately $34.4 million), while the three flour production mills are valued at an estimated 24 billion IQD (approximately $18.3 million).

Judicial authorities said the fugitive suspects had registered the properties in the names of their employees in an attempt to conceal their illicit origin.

Because the flour mills and commercial properties continue to generate revenue, the court appointed judicial custodians to manage the businesses and preserve their assets while ensuring that their income is collected for the state.

The court said legal proceedings remain ongoing and that authorities continue pursuing fugitive suspects as part of efforts to recover illicit assets, combat money laundering, and protect public funds. 

The latest asset seizure was announced hours after Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council said the investigating judge of the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court, acting in coordination with the Kurdistan Region and under the supervision of Chief Justice Faiq Zaidan, head of the Supreme Judicial Council, had recovered 358 kilograms of gold linked to the case. Another 17 kilograms were seized in a separate investigation, bringing the total recovered gold to 375 kilograms as of Monday, July 13. The council said the gold was handed over to the director general of the Central Bank's Issuance and Treasury Department. 

With the latest recoveries, Iraqi authorities have now seized assets including 210 billion IQD (approximately $160.3 million), $24 million, 375 kilograms of gold, numerous commercial properties, flour mills, and vehicles 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.