Iraqi authorities have initiated a major anti-corruption crackdown, resulting in the seizure of over 825 pounds of gold and tens of millions of dollars in cash. The operation has led to the arrest of at least 21 individuals, including various government officials and several current and former members of parliament.
These seizures are linked to the May arrest of former deputy oil minister Adnan Al-Jumaili, who is currently facing corruption allegations.
Diaa Jaafar, an investigative judge at Iraq's Central Anti-Corruption Court, confirmed that 790 pounds of gold were recovered in one operation, while another 37 pounds were seized in a separate effort. The recovered gold has been transferred to the country's central bank.
Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi stated that the total funds seized in the al-Jumaili case exceed $96 million, with an additional $24 million in assets including real estate, vehicles, and gold.
Al-Aboudi emphasized that the public is eager to see those who misused public money held accountable and noted that legal documentation is being prepared to extradite hundreds of suspects residing abroad.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, who assumed office in May, has publicly committed to fighting graft, though a government official noted that the mission remains challenging and will likely expand to other sectors. Amid these domestic developments, Al-Zaidi met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Tuesday.
The discussions focused on infrastructure and energy investment, as well as plans to disarm Iran-backed militias by September 21 and the scheduled withdrawal of U.S. forces from Iraq by September 30. President Trump expressed support for the nation, stating, "We love Iraq."
The presence of Iran-backed militias remains a significant hurdle for the Iraqi government. Several hardline groups have rejected disarmament calls and have been linked to attacks on U.S. diplomatic missions.
Furthermore, the Kuwaiti foreign ministry recently condemned these militias for attacks on border facilities and an offshore drilling platform, which resulted in injuries and material damage.
Similar allegations regarding the activities of Iraq-based militias have also been raised by Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
"The Iraqi street is looking forward to punishing those who wreaked havoc with public money, and violated its sanctity, as it is the money of all Iraqis," he said.
Iranian-backed militias have been a challenge for successive Iraqi governments for over two decades.
