Iraq Recovers $141 Million, 206 Billion Dinars in Operation Dawn
At a Glance
- $141 million and 206 billion IQD recovered
- Half a ton of gold seized
- Drone attack plot disrupted in Baghdad
- Judicial investigations remain underway
Iraqi authorities have recovered 206 billion Iraqi dinars and $141 million in cash, along with approximately half a ton of gold, as part of a broad anti-corruption operation while also disrupting a suspected drone attack plot in Baghdad.
Key Statements and Focus Area
- Authorities have recovered 206 billion IQD and $141 million in cash since June 28.
- Approximately half a ton of gold was confiscated during the campaign.
- Security forces dismantled a cell allegedly preparing a drone attack in Baghdad.
- Investigations are continuing based on formal confessions from detained suspects.
- Recovered cash and gold have been returned to state custody.
Iraqi government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi announced that authorities have recovered 206 billion Iraqi dinars and $141 million in cash since June 28 as part of a nationwide campaign targeting corruption networks.
The operation, known as "Operation Dawn," also resulted in the seizure of approximately half a ton of gold that authorities said had been concealed by individuals involved in corruption.
The recovered funds and precious metals have been deposited into the state treasury.
Authorities said arrests and interrogations are continuing under judicial authorization.
The government said investigations are being conducted based on formal confessions from detained suspects, with security and intelligence agencies using information gathered through targeted operations.
Al-Aboudi also announced that the Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) and Iraqi National Intelligence Service (INIS) had dismantled a cell allegedly preparing to carry out a drone attack in Baghdad.
The operation was followed by heightened security measures and a higher alert status among security forces across the capital.
Authorities did not disclose the intended target of the alleged attack.
The government said the operation demonstrated the security forces' ability to identify and disrupt threats before they could be carried out.
FYI
"Operation Dawn," announced on June 28, 2026, by Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi, marked the first phase of a broader anti-corruption campaign based on extensive judicial investigations.
The operation targeted multiple ministries and government sectors, with particular attention to the Ministries of Oil and Electricity. Authorities froze suspicious projects and placed major contracts under review as part of efforts to prevent the embezzlement of public funds.
The campaign was launched before dawn on direct orders from the Prime Minister and followed detailed confessions by Adnan al-Jumaili, the former Deputy Oil Minister for Refining Affairs, who had already been detained.
Al-Jumaili's arrest led to the seizure of assets valued at 123 billion Iraqi dinars, more than $11 million, and 7.5 kilograms of gold initially, according to Iraq's anti-corruption court.
The investigation also resulted in the seizure of 71 high-value properties across Baghdad, Erbil, and Salahuddin, along with a substantial quantity of weapons and ammunition.
Interrogations involving al-Jumaili subsequently expanded the investigation beyond the Oil Ministry and reached prominent political figures across Iraq.
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