Iraq seizes 375kg of gold and Billions in assets in anti-corruption crackdown targeting oil officials

Jul 12, 2026

Iraq's sweeping anti-corruption campaign, "Operation Dawn," has led to the recovery of 375kg of gold and billions in assets. The crackdown, accelerated under Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, centers on former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili. Joint efforts between Baghdad and Kurdistan authorities have uncovered cash hidden in drainage pipes and frozen 69 billion dinars in real estate. Dozens of high-profile officials, including MPs Alia Nassif and Talal Al-Zobaie, have been arrested.

Iraq anti-corruption crackdown seizures

▪Iraqi authorities recovered 375 kilograms of gold bullion, consisting of 358 kilograms seized in coordination with the Kurdistan Region and 17 kilograms seized in a separate case.
▪The Nineveh Investigation Court Specializing in Integrity Cases froze commercial real estate, flour mills, and transport trucks valued at approximately 69 billion Iraqi dinars on July 13, 2026.
▪Iraqi authorities discovered 14 billion Iraqi dinars, equivalent to approximately $10.6 million, hidden inside a rainwater drainage pit on July 9, 2026.

Adnan al-Jumaili corruption case

▪The total funds tracked in the Adnan al-Jumaili case exceed 127 billion Iraqi dinars, plus an additional $24 million in real estate, vehicles, and gold jewelry.
▪The anti-corruption crackdown and asset seizures center on the case of former Deputy Minister of Oil for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili, who was arrested in May 2026.
▪The investigation into Adnan al-Jumaili focuses on allegations that he exploited state resources and government contracts for kickbacks and personal gain since October 2025.

KRG-Baghdad anti-corruption coordination

▪The joint security operation to recover 358 kilograms of gold was coordinated between Kurdistan regional authorities and the Supreme Judicial Council under Judge Faiq Zaidan.
▪Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani ordered the Ministry of Interior and the Kurdistan Region Security Council to coordinate closely with federal authorities in Baghdad.

Operation Dawn arrests

▪Iraqi security forces arrested former Parliamentary Integrity Committee chairman Talal Al-Zobaie on corruption charges on July 13, 2026.
▪The nationwide anti-corruption campaign, dubbed Operation Dawn, has resulted in the arrest of dozens of politicians, lawmakers, and government officials.
▪Iraqi authorities arrested Member of Parliament Alia Nassif and seized cash estimated at 98 billion Iraqi dinars from her residence.

Asset recovery procedures

▪The Nineveh court appointed official judicial custodians to manage seized commercial properties and flour mills to ensure ongoing revenues are routed to the state treasury.
▪The Iraqi Integrity Commission is preparing legal files and has circulated Interpol red notices to extradite hundreds of corruption suspects living abroad.
▪The Supreme Judicial Council transferred the recovered 375 kilograms of gold to the Issue and Treasury Department of the Central Bank of Iraq.