Assets recovered in Al-Jumaili corruption probe surpass $73 million

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council said Tuesday that assets seized in a corruption investigation involving detained Deputy Oil Minister Adnan Al-Jumaili have now surpassed 98 billion in Iraqi dinars (over $62.5 million) and 11 million in U.S. dollars, totaling over $73 million.

In a statement issued today, the council said authorities recovered more than 67 billion dinars and $1 million in cash during the latest phase of the investigation.

The council said part of the money was found hidden in the homes of several individuals involved in the case.

“The other part was hidden underground at a depth of four meters and was discovered after excavations using specialized machinery,” the statement said.

According to the judiciary, continued investigations into funds generated through waste and irregularities in projects linked to Al-Jumaili and other suspects led to the latest seizures.

The statement also said the investigation resulted in the arrest of former Salah Al-Din governor and current provincial health director Raed Al-Jubouri.

The arrest was carried out based on statements made by Al-Jumaili during questioning, according to the council.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Adnan al-Jumaili served as Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs and director general of the North Refineries Company. He was arrested on May 29. He had been removed from his position as company head on May 3 by an official order from Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, with Qusay Khalaf appointed as his successor.

Earlier this month, the judiciary said authorities have, in addition to cash, also seized approximately 40 properties in Baghdad, Salah Al-Din,and Erbil, and gold jewelry estimated at 1.5 kilograms, linked to al-Jumaili. Large quantities of light and medium weapons were also seized.