Iraq Seizes 375kg Gold in Corruption Case, Asset Value Tops $120 Million

Iraqi authorities have confiscated at least 375 kilograms of gold during an extensive anti-corruption investigation targeting former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili. The operation is a key part of Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi's broad anti-corruption drive.

Central Criminal Court Judge Dhia Jafar announced on Sunday that 358 kilograms of gold were seized in a joint operation with Kurdistan Regional Government authorities. An additional 17 kilograms were secured in a separate investigation the same day, bringing the total to 375 kilograms. These assets are linked to al-Jumaili, who was arrested in May and dismissed on June 2. Investigators suspect he profited from state resources and government contracts through bribery, with activities allegedly dating back to October last year.

Details of the seizure locations were not disclosed. The gold has been transferred to the Central Bank of Iraq for legal proceedings. This action follows closely behind the discovery of $10.6 million hidden in a storm drain, also connected to the al-Jumaili investigation.

Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi stated that the total tracked assets in the al-Jumaili case exceed $120 million, encompassing cash, property, vehicles, and gold. He described this as a major success for the anti-corruption campaign launched by Prime Minister al-Zaidi in May. The "Operation Dawn" aims to recover embezzled state assets, with al-Zaidi vowing to prosecute anyone misusing public funds, regardless of their position.

“

This is one of the biggest advancements in the anti-corruption campaign since Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi took office last May.