Iraqi Authorities Crack Down on Corruption with Major Seizures

Iraqi officials have seized over 825 pounds of gold and millions in cash during anti-corruption operations leading to at least 21 arrests. These arrests include several government officials and current and former members of parliament.

The seizures are linked to the arrest in May of the former deputy oil minister, Adnan Al-Jumaili, under suspicion of corruption. The new Prime Minister, Ali Al-Zaidi, who assumed office in May, is committed to combatting graft in Iraq.

According to a government official who spoke anonymously, the extent of implicated officials and the volume of confiscated gold and U.S. dollars, alongside Iraqi dinar, vehicles, and homes reveals the significant scale of corruption. This investigation pertains to the oil sector alone.

“The latest campaign caught everyone off guard,” remarked the official, highlighting the swift action early in Al-Zaidi’s term, contrasting previous leaders who did not pursue meaningful anti-corruption measures.

Diaa Jaafar, an investigative judge at Iraq’s Central Anti-Corruption Court, confirmed recovery of 790 pounds of gold in one operation and 37 pounds in another, with the gold now held by the central bank.

Further operations revealed Iraqi dinar valued at $10.6 million in a drainage pit. The government spokesmen, Haider al-Aboudi, disclosed to Al Jazeera the assets seized total over $96 million, including $24 million in real estate, vehicles, and gold.

Al-Aboudi noted, “The Iraqi public seeks accountability for misuse of public funds, which belong to all Iraqis.” Legal preparations for extraditing suspects abroad are part of these efforts.

Disarming Iranian-Backed Militias

In addition to tackling corruption, Prime Minister Al-Zaidi met with President Trump to explore investment opportunities for U.S. firms in Iraq’s infrastructure and energy sectors. They also discussed plans for disarming Iran-backed militias by September 21 and a complete withdrawal of U.S. military from Iraq by September 30.

Iran-backed militias have long troubled Iraqi governments. Some factions refuse to disarm and have targeted U.S. diplomatic missions in the region. Kuwait’s foreign ministry condemned attacks on its border and oil facilities by these militias, citing human injuries and material damage. Saudi Arabia and the UAE cited similar incidents.