Iraq Seizes Additional 25 Billion IQD, $200,000 and Gold in Expanding Oil Ministry Corruption Probe

Peregraf — Iraqi judicial authorities have seized an additional 25 billion Iraqi dinars (IQD), $200,000 in cash, and four kilograms of gold jewelry as part of the expanding corruption investigation involving detained former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili, the Supreme Judicial Council announced on Thursday.

According to the Iraqi judiciary’s media office, the investigating judge of the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court said part of the seized money had been deposited with several individuals, while the remaining cash was discovered hidden inside the walls of multiple houses.

The judge said the latest recoveries were made during ongoing efforts to trace the proceeds of the alleged corruption and identify all those involved in the case.

Investigations into al-Jumaili and his associates remain ongoing, with judicial authorities continuing efforts to recover illicit assets and pursue additional suspects.

The latest recoveries come days after Iraqi authorities ordered the seizure of nine commercial properties, three flour mills valued at about 69 billion IQD, and seven transport trucks linked to the same investigation.

Authorities also announced on July 13 the recovery of 375 kilograms of gold, including 358 kilograms recovered in coordination with the Kurdistan Region under the supervision of Supreme Judicial Council President Judge Faiq Zaidan, along with another 17 kilograms seized in a separate investigation.

With the latest seizures, Iraqi authorities have now recovered approximately 235 billion IQD, $24.2 million, 379 kilograms of gold, in addition to confiscating numerous commercial properties, flour mills, transport trucks, vehicles, and other assets linked to the investigation. 

The corruption probe, centered on al-Jumaili, 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 officialsduring operations launched on June 28 and in the days that followed. Judicial authorities have said additional arrests and legal measures are expected as the investigation continues to expand.