Cash and gold worth $7 million found in Baghdad, prompting corruption probe

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi authorities recovered approximately $7 million in cash and gold from a Toyota Corolla linked to relatives of a government minister, triggering a corruption investigation in the capital. According to available information, the discovery came during an inspection of the vehicle, which was described as belonging to the minister's family members. Prime Minister Ali Zeydi rejected mediation efforts to close the case politically before departing Baghdad for Washington, according to the report. He insisted that the seized funds be handed over to the competent authorities and that the file be referred to the judiciary. The decision leaves the matter to the courts, shielded from political pressure and outside interference. Some political figures had pushed for the investigation to be terminated, citing the minister's political background, but the prime minister declined those requests. Public debate has focused on the sharp contrast between the modest sedan and the scale of the sum recovered, with the phrase "million-dollar Corolla" spreading widely on Iraqi social media. The case is now in the judicial process, with Iraqi public opinion closely watching both the legal proceedings and any potential link to broader corruption allegations. No further details on the minister's identity or the status of the investigation were immediately available.