Iraqi authorities have uncovered more than 825 pounds of gold and tens of millions in cash during anti-corruption operations. These actions have led to the arrest of at least 21 individuals, covering several government officials and former and current members of parliament.
The operations link back to the arrest of Adnan Al-Jumaili, a former deputy oil minister, on corruption charges in May. Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, who assumed office in May, is determined to address the rampant graft in Iraq. A government official, requesting anonymity, shared with CBS News that tackling this corruption won’t be easy.
The volume of confiscated assets, such as gold and cash in U.S. dollars and Iraqi dinar, as well as vehicles and homes, highlights the scale of corruption present. Moreover, this investigation centers solely on the oil industry.
The latest campaign was unexpected,
said the official, noting the proactive approach by Al-Zaidi in contrast to previous leaders who only gave lip service to combating corruption. He affirmed that these efforts will extend to other sectors.
Diaa Jaafar, an investigative judge at Iraq’s Central Anti-Corruption Court, reported that 790 pounds of gold were recovered in one operation, and 37 pounds in another. He mentioned that the gold has been returned to Iraq’s central bank but did not provide further details.
Last Thursday, another operation revealed 10.6 million dollars worth of Iraqi dinars found in a drainage pit linked to the oil ministry. Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi disclosed to Al Jazeera that the funds seized in connection with the Al-Jumaili case exceed $96 million, along with $24 million in real estate, vehicles, and gold.
Al-Aboudi conveyed the public’s desire for accountability, emphasizing the significance of public funds for all Iraqis. He also indicated that Iraq is preparing to extradite several hundred suspects residing abroad as part of the anti-corruption initiative.
In addition to addressing corruption, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi met with President Trump to discuss potential American investments in Iraqi infrastructure and energy. Additionally, they explored plans for the disarmament of Iran-backed militias by September 21 and the full withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by September 30.
Iran-backed militias have posed challenges to Iraqi governments for over 20 years, with hardline groups dismissing calls to disarm. Some militias have targeted U.S. diplomatic missions and forces in Iraq and the region.
Kuwait’s foreign ministry recently issued a statement condemning Iran and its allied Iraqi militias for attacks on border centers and an offshore drilling platform of the Kuwait Oil Company, leading to injuries and material damages.
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made similar claims regarding militias based in Iraq.
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