Sanitation worker in Souq Al-Shuyoukh returns 40 million dinars found in garbage, honored for honesty

DHI QAR — A municipal sanitation worker in Souq al-Shuyoukh was honored Tuesday after returning a bag containing 40 million Iraqi dinars (approximately $28,170) that he found discarded in a garbage container during his shift.

Thaer Mazeed, employed by the Souq al-Shuyoukh municipality, discovered the bag during routine cleanup and immediately took steps to return it. “As soon as he found the money, the worker went to the address listed on a receipt inside the bag and informed the person he had found it,” said Ahmed Ubaid, the municipality’s director, in a statement to 964Media.

According to Ubaid, the man initially denied the bag was his, but later confirmed that it had been accidentally discarded with household waste and belonged to his son, who works at the same restaurant.

“The entire amount was returned in full to its owner in a gesture that earned widespread appreciation,” Ubaid said. “As soon as I learned of the incident, I called in the worker and honored him with a financial reward and a letter of appreciation from the Dhi Qar Municipalities Directorate in recognition of his honesty and noble conduct.”

The story gained traction online, with social media users praising the worker’s integrity and holding him up as an example of community values.

“These moments inspire pride and trust in the people of this city,” Ubaid added, “and reflect the principles held by sanitation workers despite the challenges they face.”