Iraq judiciary says 25 billion dinars seized in Oil Ministry liquidation probe

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's judiciary said financial probes into a deputy director general at the Oil Ministry's Liquidation Department have resulted in the seizure of an additional 25 billion Iraqi dinars. Judicial sources said the funds were frozen as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged financial irregularities within the department. Investigators said the latest seizure followed a review of financial transactions connected to the case, with the sum to be recorded as evidence in later stages of the probe. Officials said multiple case files are being examined and that new documents have been submitted for review. The judiciary said financial audits were intensified after the deputy director general was removed from his post. Oil Ministry sources confirmed the ministry is cooperating with investigators. Investigators are continuing to take statements from other public officials named in the case, according to judicial sources. No further details were immediately available on potential charges or additional suspects.