Posted on 07/11/2026 3:38:34 PM PDT by Red Badger
Millions hidden in a storm drain are the latest discovery in Iraq's expanding oil corruption scandal, which has already led to dozens of arrests
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Iraqi investigators say they have uncovered another 14 billion Iraqi dinars (around $10 million) hidden inside a stormwater drainage pit, the latest discovery in a sprawling corruption investigation that has shaken the country's oil sector.
The money was recovered as part of an ongoing probe into former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili, who has been in custody for around a month on corruption allegations.
In a statement on Thursday, Iraq's Supreme Judicial Council said the cash was discovered after investigators tracked financial proceeds allegedly linked to waste and irregularities in projects overseen by al-Jumaili and others under investigation.
"The investigations are continuing to identify everyone involved," the council said.
The discovery follows another major seizure announced earlier this week, when authorities said they had found 25 billion dinars, $1 million in cash, and around five kilograms of gold jewellery hidden inside plastic water bottles at al-Jumaili's home in Tikrit.
According to the judiciary, assets seized so far in the case now total 127 billion Iraqi dinars, $24 million, as well as properties, vehicles and gold.
The scandal widened further on Wednesday when Iraqi security forces arrested Hussein Talib, director general of the state-owned Oil Products Distribution Company, just hours before he was due to be sworn in as a member of parliament.
Talib had been nominated to replace an outgoing MP from the State Forces Alliance, led by Ammar al-Hakim, but was detained in Baghdad and transferred for questioning by anti-corruption authorities before he could take the parliamentary oath.
He is one of more than 50 people now being held in connection with the investigation, according to The New Arab's Iraqi sources. Those detained reportedly include more than a dozen MPs, Oil Ministry officials and former government advisers.
Al-Jumaili is alleged to have identified other officials involved in corrupt contracts following his arrest last month, with investigators now pursuing what Iraqi authorities describe as one of the country's largest recent corruption cases.
Separately, Iraqi officials are also seeking two businessmen, Hassan al-Kurdi and Mohammed al-Kurdi, who are accused of fleeing the country and smuggling around $500 million abroad. Iraqi media reported that Interpol notices have been issued as part of the investigation.
Former Iraqi MP Yasser al-Husseini told The New Arab that the arrests marked "only the beginning" of a wider campaign against entrenched corruption.
"The Iraqi public is strongly backing this campaign," he said. "If it falters, the current government will lose public confidence. It must continue until those responsible for corruption are held accountable, regardless of political affiliation."
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I can hear Obama doing the commercials now: What’s in your storm drain?
Adnan al-Jumaili (D) 2028 for president in 3 2 1. He sounds just corrupt enough. I’m sure some feral judge will say he’s eligible.
That looks alot like my hidey hole. How much am I out, er, did they say?
$10 million................
And the next round was gonna be on me. Darn the luck.
Our DemocRATS could pull off a bigger haul.
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