Seized assets in oil corruption case pass $96 million and 127 billion dinars

BAGHDAD — Iraqi authorities have seized another 25 billion dinars (about $18.9 million at the official rate), $1 million and about 5 kilograms of gold in the corruption case against former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili, the Supreme Judicial Council said Monday, bringing the total recovered in the investigation to 127 billion dinars (about $96 million at the official rate) and $24 million.

The council said the investigating judge at the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court oversaw the latest seizure. The cash, authorities said, was hidden inside plastic water bottles at Jumaili’s home in Tikrit and was traced through efforts to follow proceeds allegedly generated from waste and irregularities in projects linked to the defendant and others. Investigators also took $1 million and about 5 kilograms of gold jewelry.

The total recovered now stands at 127 billion dinars and $24 million, the council said, alongside real estate, vehicles and jewelry that have been frozen or seized. It said the investigation was continuing and authorities were pursuing other suspects.

The case has expanded quickly since Jumaili’s detention over alleged financial irregularities in the oil sector. Security sources familiar with the investigation have said interviews with Jumaili produced more than 100 names, though not all face arrest warrants or proceedings. The inquiry also formed the basis for “Dawn Strike,” the operation inside Baghdad’s Green Zone in which Counter Terrorism Service units and army forces carried out coordinated raids on current and former officials.

Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has called the campaign the first phase of a broader effort.