Iraq Seizes Millions in Cash and Gold Amid Ongoing Oil Sector Corruption Crackdown

Iraqi judicial authorities announced on Sunday the seizure of $20.34 million in cash, 60 kilograms of gold, and seven vehicles linked to Adnan Al Jumaili, the deputy oil minister for refining affairs. Mr Al Jumaili, who also served as the general director of the Northern Refineries Company, was arrested in May as part of an escalating inquiry into alleged waste and embezzlement within refinery projects overseen by the ministry. This sweeping campaign has resulted in the arrests of multiple senior government officials and legislators, alongside the recovery of substantial funds, gold, and properties.

The Supreme Judiciary Council reported that the Central Anti-Corruption Criminal Court’s investigating judge, working in coordination with authorities in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, successfully confiscated the assets, though further details were withheld. According to the judge, ongoing investigations and tracking procedures targeting financial proceeds from mismanaged projects led directly to the recovery of these assets. Authorities confirmed that pursuits and legal procedures against other involved parties remain active.

Prosecutors maintain that contracts and funds designated for upgrading and operating refineries were systematically diverted through a network of companies and intermediaries. The successful asset recovery across Baghdad and Erbil indicates that investigators are actively tracing funds moved between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. While the Ministry of Oil has declined to comment on the recent seizures, Mr Al Jumaili remains in custody awaiting trial.

These developments unfold as Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi’s administration intensifies its anti-corruption drive, framing it as vital for restoring public trust and safeguarding state finances. Since taking office in May, Mr Al Zaidi has ordered high-profile arrests targeting senior figures in the Oil, Electricity, and other key ministries. The judiciary continues to collaborate closely with the Integrity Commission, financial intelligence units, and regional authorities to recover stolen state funds and reinforce institutional control over Iraq's vital oil sector.