Iraqi authorities have seized approximately 825 pounds of gold and tens of millions of dollars in cash during a sweeping anti-corruption investigation. The operations resulted in the arrest of at least 21 individuals, including current and former members of parliament and dozens of government officials. The seizures are linked to the May arrest of former deputy oil minister Adnan Al-Jumaili on suspicion of corruption.
Diaa Jaafar, an investigative judge at Iraq's Central Anti-Corruption Court, confirmed that 790 pounds of gold were recovered in one operation and 37 pounds in another, all of which have been transferred to the national central bank. Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi stated that total assets seized in the Al-Jumaili case exceed $96 million, with an additional $24 million accounted for in real estate, vehicles, and other gold. Security forces also reported finding $10.6 million worth of Iraqi dinar hidden in a rainwater drainage pit.
The crackdown coincides with a diplomatic visit by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi to Washington, D.C. During a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Al-Zaidi discussed infrastructure investments and a security plan to disarm domestic militias by September 21. The plan also coordinates with the scheduled withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by September 30. Iraqi officials indicated they are preparing legal documents to extradite hundreds of other suspects currently residing abroad.