Iraq seizes mounds of gold and millions in cash from officials in corruption crackdown

Key Points:

• Iraqi authorities have seized over 825 pounds of gold and tens of millions in cash during anti-corruption operations, leading to the arrest of at least 21 individuals including government officials and members of parliament, linked to a corruption probe in the oil sector.
• The crackdown follows the May arrest of former deputy oil minister Adnan Al-Jumaili and reflects Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi's commitment to tackling graft, with seizures including gold, cash, real estate, vehicles, and homes.
• Iraqi officials reported recovering $96 million in funds and $24 million in assets, and the government is preparing extradition requests for suspects abroad as part of the anti-corruption campaign.
• Prime Minister Al-Zaidi met with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss American investment in Iraq and plans to disarm Iranian-backed militias by September 21, with a complete U.S. troop withdrawal planned by September 30.
• Iranian-backed militias remain a security challenge, having rejected disarmament calls and been accused by Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE of attacks on border centers and oil infrastructure.