Iraq anti-corruption sweep arrests dozens of officials including oil deputies

Iraq’s Counter‑Terrorism Service raided the Green Zone in Baghdad on June 28, seizing the compound of the Midland Oil Company and arresting 47 officials – among them 13 members of parliament and prominent Sunni politician Muthanna al‑Samarrai. The operation followed confessions from former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al‑Jumaili, whose own arrest earlier in May revealed $86 million in cash.

In a related raid, police uncovered $14 million hidden in the walls of Deputy Oil Minister for Distribution Affairs Ali Maarij al‑Bahadly’s home, along with luxury items. The anti‑corruption drive, ordered by Prime Minister Ali al‑Zaidi, has also seen the seizure of dozens of properties, vehicles and gold, and the cancellation of a $764 million Baghdad airport project. U.S. officials have backed the crackdown, noting earlier sanctions on Bahadly for allegedly diverting oil profits to Iranian‑backed militias.