🔶 Iraq discovers and seizes 375 kilograms of gold in a major corruption case

The Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council said on Monday, July 13, that, in the course of investigations related to Adnan Al-Jamili, the detained deputy oil minister, a total of 375 kilograms of gold had been found and seized.

Al-Jamili was arrested last month on corruption charges. According to security officials familiar with the case, he is accused of playing a role in bribery and embezzlement involving billions of dollars in contracts for the construction and development of oil refineries.

The case is part of a wide-ranging anti-corruption campaign launched by Iraq’s prime minister, Alaa Al-Zaydi, after taking office in May.

In a statement published by state media, the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council said: “In cooperation with the Kurdistan Region and under the supervision of the head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faik Zaidan, 358 kilograms of gold were discovered and seized.”

It added that, in a separate case, another 17 kilograms of gold were also found, bringing the total seized gold to 375 kilograms.

According to the council, the discovered gold was handed over to the Central Bank of Iraq for safekeeping and to complete the investigation process.

Since Al-Jamili’s arrest, inspectors have discovered notable items, including more than $100 million in cash; money hidden inside water bottles; large quantities of hidden money in walls; and money embedded inside sewage pipes.

Last month as well, Iraqi security forces, continuing this case, arrested 47 members of parliament and government officials in several separate operations.

Based on this report, some of the defendants in this case may be subject to the general amnesty law that was amended in January 2025. Under this law, people who return embezzled assets and funds may be exempt from criminal punishment.