Story perspectives

Iraq Seizes $130 M, Arrests 21, Meets Trump on Militia Pullout

7/15/2026

Summary

Iraq Seizes Assets

Iraq seized 825 pounds of gold, $96 million cash and $24 million in assets, arresting 21 officials and former MPs.
Judge Diaa Jaafar reported 790 pounds and 37 pounds of gold transferred to the central bank, while an oil-ministry sweep uncovered $10.6 million in Iraqi dinar in a drainage pit.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met President Donald Trump on July 14 2026 to discuss Iraq’s plan to disarm Iran-backed militias by Sep 21 and withdraw U.S. forces by Sep 30.

Summary

Iraq Pursues Extraditions

Iraq is working with Interpol and Jordan, Turkey, UAE and Greece to extradite more than 40 suspects.
A January 2025 amendment to the amnesty law could spare suspects who repay stolen assets.
The Integrity Commission has sent red notices to partner states to repatriate fugitives and recover assets.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and the Supreme Judicial Council are drafting a framework that offers reduced penalties for voluntary asset returns.

Summary

Operation Dawn Detains

Operation Dawn detained Muthanna al-Samarrai, leader of the Sunni Azm Alliance, extending the anti-corruption drive into opposition.
Masrour Barzani, Prime Minister, ordered interior bodies to cooperate with Baghdad’s Commission of Integrity.
After oil undersecretary Adnan al-Jumaili confessed in late May, dozens were arrested.
Suspects tried to smuggle seized gold out of Iraq, prompting the judiciary to confirm at least 21 detainees, including Governor Mohammed Jamil al-Mayahi and adviser Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie.

History

Historical Context

Antonio Di Pietro’s 17 February 1992 arrest of PSI member Mario Chiesa sparked Italy’s Mani Pulite probe, uncovering a Tangentopoli network that implicated roughly 5,000 officials and toppled the First Republic’s ruling parties. Inspired by that model, Iraq’s Integrity Commission has now seized 825 pounds of gold, $96 million in cash and is pursuing more than 40 suspects across the region.

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Iraq Seizes Assets

Iraq seized 825 pounds of gold, $96 million cash and $24 million in assets, arresting 21 officials and former MPs.
Judge Diaa Jaafar reported 790 pounds and 37 pounds of gold transferred to the central bank, while an oil-ministry sweep uncovered $10.6 million in Iraqi dinar in a drainage pit.
Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi met President Donald Trump on July 14 2026 to discuss Iraq’s plan to disarm Iran-backed militias by Sep 21 and withdraw U.S. forces by Sep 30.

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