Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council announced on Monday that it had seized over $14 million from an oil official arrested a day earlier, marking a significant step in the government's anti-corruption campaign. The seizure includes $11 million and four billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $3 million) from Deputy Oil Minister for Distribution Affairs Ali Al-Bahadli.
Details of the Seizure and Investigation
According to the Supreme Judicial Council, the funds were discovered during initial investigations into Al-Bahadli. In addition to the cash, several properties have been confiscated, and the investigation is ongoing. The council stated that these actions are part of a broader crackdown on corruption initiated by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi.
The anti-corruption drive began early Sunday when Iraqi security forces raided Baghdad's Green Zone and other neighborhoods, detaining multiple officials. Initial reports from Iraq's news agency INA indicated that 47 suspects had been arrested, including members of parliament and Al-Bahadli. However, government spokesman Haidar Al-Aboudi clarified on Monday that only 21 officials were actually taken into custody.
Context of Corruption in Iraq
Corruption has been a persistent issue in Iraq for decades, particularly within public institutions. While Prime Minister Al-Zaidi has vowed to combat this problem, convictions often target mid-level officials rather than high-ranking figures. Earlier this month, authorities seized over $85 million in a separate graft case against oil ministry official Adnan Al-Jumaili, who was arrested last month. According to INA, the arrests made on Sunday were based on confessions from Al-Jumaili.
Al-Zaidi, who recently assumed office with U.S. support, is scheduled to visit Washington later this month. He aims to attract increased American investment to revitalize Iraq's economy, which has suffered significant revenue losses due to halted oil exports during the Middle East war.
