More than $14 million has been seized in a massive anti-corruption operation in Iraq, judicial authorities say.

Over 14 million US dollars have been confiscated as part of a large-scale anti-corruption operation conducted in Iraq, according to judicial authorities. The announcement was made following an investigation into high-ranking officials within the country's oil sector, which led to significant financial recoveries and arrests. This operation marks one of the most substantial efforts by Iraqi authorities to tackle corruption, a long-standing issue that has plagued the nation for decades.

The confiscation includes 11 million US dollars and four billion Iraqi dinars, equivalent to over three million US dollars, as stated by the Supreme Judicial Council. In addition to these monetary assets, authorities also seized real estate properties linked to the individuals under investigation. These actions were initiated as part of a broader crackdown on corruption, aimed at restoring public trust in government institutions and attracting foreign investment to rebuild the war-torn infrastructure of the country.

The initiative comes under the leadership of Prime Minister Ali al-Sadri, who took office earlier this year and pledged to combat corruption and poor governance. His administration has been working to stabilize the country after years of conflict and political instability. Recently, he traveled to Washington, D.C., in mid-July, where he sought support from international partners to encourage investment in Iraq’s reconstruction efforts. This move signals a shift towards transparency and accountability in the country’s governance structure.

According to the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NIINA), 47 officials were detained during the operation, including several members of parliament. However, the government spokesperson, Haidar al-Abudi, clarified that only 21 individuals had been arrested so far. The discrepancy highlights the complexity of the situation and the challenges faced by authorities in accurately reporting the number of detainees.

The arrests reportedly followed confessions made by Adnan al-Damali, the deputy minister of oil responsible for refining operations, who was arrested last month. Al-Damali's statements provided crucial evidence against other officials involved in the alleged corruption scheme. His cooperation appears to have played a pivotal role in expanding the scope of the investigation and leading to further asset seizures.

This operation is part of a series of anti-corruption measures taken by Iraqi judicial authorities in recent months. Earlier this year, over 85 million US dollars were confiscated in connection with a case involving a senior minister. These efforts reflect a growing commitment to addressing systemic issues of graft and mismanagement that have undermined public confidence in the government. The success of such operations could serve as a deterrent to future corrupt practices and contribute to the overall stability of the country.

As the investigation continues, more details about the individuals involved and the nature of their misconduct are likely to emerge. The involvement of high-profile figures, including members of parliament, underscores the depth of the corruption problem and the need for sustained pressure on all levels of government. With the new prime minister’s emphasis on reform, there is hope that these actions will lead to meaningful changes in how public resources are managed and allocated. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining whether these efforts translate into lasting improvements in governance and public trust.