Iraq Corruption Probe Uncovers $11 Million, 4 Billion Dinars

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council announced on Monday that preliminary investigations into Ali Ma’araj Suwaidij Al-Bahadli, the Deputy Minister of Oil Products Distribution at the Ministry of Oil, have led to the discovery of $11 million, 4 billion Iraqi dinars, and a number of properties. The Iraqi judicial authority stated, citing the investigating judge at the Central Anti-Corruption Court, that these assets were confiscated during the investigation of the suspect, who is currently in detention. The statement emphasized that investigations into this case are ongoing.

Earlier today, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani stated that power would exclusively rest with the government, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Iraq where no corrupt individual would be exempt. Al-Sudani underscored that the first phase of the anti-corruption drive has commenced, and the government will diligently pursue the recovery of public funds. He reiterated that there would be no leniency or overlooking in dealing with corrupt individuals.

The Iraqi Prime Minister also announced the mission assigned to oversight bodies to receive and examine any indications of corruption or negligence in the performance of ministries. On Sunday night, Iraqi sources reported the execution of a series of judicial orders in corruption cases, indicating that dozens of representatives and officials have been detained based on the confessions of one of the Ministry of Oil officials. High-ranking Iraqi sources had previously told the Iraqi News Agency WAA that 47 defendants, including members of parliament and Iraqi officials, were arrested on corruption charges.