Over 127 Billion Dinars Seized as Iraq Expands Corruption Investigation

An investigating judge from Iraq’s Central Criminal Court for Anti-Corruption cases has announced the seizure of approximately 25 billion Iraqi dinars in newly issued currency, alongside $1 million in cash and around five kilograms of gold jewellery, as part of an ongoing corruption case involving former Deputy Minister of Oil for Refining Affairs, Adnan Al-Jumaili, and other suspects.

The judge said the latest seizures were made following close monitoring of financial proceeds believed to have been generated through waste and corruption in projects carried out by the accused and associated parties.

According to the investigation, large sums of money were discovered hidden inside plastic water bottles and stored within the residence of the main suspect in the city of Tikrit.

Authorities confirmed that the total value of seized assets in the case has now risen significantly to around 127 billion Iraqi dinars and $24 million, in addition to confiscated real estate, vehicles, and gold jewellery.

Investigations are still ongoing, with officials stating that efforts continue to track down other individuals linked to the case and complete all legal procedures.

In a separate statement, Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaydi reaffirmed the government’s firm stance on combating corruption during a visit to the Ministry of Interior.

He stressed that the Interior Ministry serves as a key arm of the government in tackling corruption and emphasized that there would be “no leniency toward any corrupt individual, regardless of affiliation.”

Al-Zaydi also called on the Commission of Integrity, the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, and security agencies to intensify efforts in pursuing anti-corruption cases across the country.