Iraq Recovers 375kg of Gold in Extensive Anti-Corruption Drive

In a decisive move against corruption, Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council has announced the recovery of 375kg of gold, linked to the arrest of the former Deputy Minister of Oil for Refining Affairs, Adnan Al Jumaili, on corruption charges. The recovery was facilitated by Kurdistan regional authorities, under the oversight of the Supreme Judicial Council President, Faiq Zidan. An additional 17kg of gold was secured in a separate operation on the same day, though details remain undisclosed.

The seized gold has been transferred to the Central Bank of Iraq’s Issue and Treasury Department as the authorities intensify efforts to reclaim misappropriated assets. This action marks a significant development in the anti-corruption crackdown under Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, which began in May and has resulted in multiple arrests and the recovery of over $100 million in assets.

The broader investigation, known as "Operation Dawn," targets misappropriated state funds and involves multiple senior officials suspected of exploiting state resources for personal enrichment. A recent discovery of 14 billion Iraqi dinars, equivalent to $10.6 million, hidden in a drainage pit, underscores the scale of corruption being unearthed. The government spokesman affirmed that the ongoing campaign is strict on judicial protocols, disregarding official titles or positions in its pursuit of accountability.