Iraq Seizes $20 Million Cash, 5kg Gold Hidden in Water Bottles

Iraqi authorities have made a significant seizure of cash and gold as part of an ongoing investigation into corruption. Approximately $20 million (RM81.5 million) in cash and five kilograms of gold were discovered concealed within plastic water bottles at the residence of a former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs, Adnan Al-Jumaili.

The Supreme Judicial Council of Iraq announced the major confiscation on Monday, stating it was a result of the investigation into Al-Jumaili and other suspects linked to financial irregularities. The operation aimed to track down illicit financial gains obtained through project embezzlement.

In addition to the cash and gold found in water bottles in Tikrit, investigators ordered the seizure of an additional 25 billion Iraqi dinars (RM62.3 million) and $1 million (RM4.07 million) in cash. This latest recovery brings the total seized assets in the investigation to a staggering 127 billion Iraqi dinars (RM3.9 billion) and $24 million (RM97.8 million) in cash, along with various properties, vehicles, and gold.

This action is part of a broader crackdown on corruption in Iraq. Last week, the country announced the detention of dozens of individuals, including members of parliament and government officials whose legal immunity was revoked. These arrests followed confessions made during the investigation into Al-Jumaili, who was dismissed from his position on June 2, 2026, amid accusations of misusing public funds and illegally awarding contracts. Authorities emphasize that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts to apprehend other suspects continuing.