Millions seized from Iraqi deputy oil minister in corruption probe

Iraqi authorities have confiscated approximately $14 million from Deputy Oil Minister Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly as part of an investigation into alleged corruption in the country's energy sector, Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council said.

“The preliminary investigation into Deputy Oil Minister for Distribution Affairs Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly resulted in the confiscation of $11 million and 4 billion Iraqi dinars (more than $3 million),” the council said in a statement cited by Baghdad Today.

The judicial authorities also seized a number of luxury real estate properties owned by the deputy minister. The Supreme Judicial Council noted that the investigation into al-Bahadli remains ongoing.

Earlier, broadcaster Al Hadath reported that Iraqi law enforcement agencies had issued at least 200 arrest warrants for officials allegedly linked to the corruption case. According to Iraqi government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi, “confessions from individuals previously arrested on corruption charges are leading investigators to uncover new networks, both in terms of individuals involved and financial schemes.”

He also said that Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi had instructed the Ministry of Finance to establish a special account for funds confiscated from individuals accused of illicit enrichment.

A day earlier, 47 senior officials and members of the Iraqi parliament were detained by security forces on corruption charges. According to INA, the arrests took place in Baghdad as well as in several provinces, including Wasit Governorate in central Iraq and Erbil Governorate in the north.

Iraqi authorities said the investigation is ongoing and that additional names linked to alleged corruption in the oil and electricity ministries will be announced in the near future.

By Jeyhun Aghazada