Iraq Seizes $15.5M and Gold in Anti-Corruption Raids

TDT | Manama

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Iraqi security forces seized more than 20 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $15.5 million) and large quantities of gold from the residence of Iraqi lawmaker Alia Nassif, following her arrest alongside her son, according to local media and security sources.

Her son previously served as chief of staff to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani.

The arrests are part of a widening anti-corruption campaign targeting senior political and government figures. Elite units from Iraq's Counter Terrorism Service carried out coordinated early-morning raids across Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone on Sunday.

Security and legal sources said the operation represents the first phase of a broader crackdown reportedly ordered under Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi, who assumed office in May and pledged to dismantle entrenched corruption networks.

According to reports, authorities recovered large sums of cash and gold during searches of properties linked to Nassif. The wider operation is believed to have uncovered assets exceeding $85 million, in addition to tens of billions of dinars, foreign currency, and further quantities of gold from multiple locations associated with suspects and their networks.

The raids were conducted under judicial arrest warrants issued in connection with alleged corruption cases. Iraqi state media, citing a senior official, reported that several arrests were based on testimony gathered during questioning of former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan Al Jumaili, who was detained in late May.