Iraq Bar Association head says seized assets in Qumayli case belong to the public

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The head of the Iraqi Bar Association, Ahlam al-Lami, said funds uncovered in the investigation of former Oil Ministry deputy undersecretary Adnan Qumayli belong to the Iraqi public. Speaking on the case, al-Lami called the figures released by the Higher Judicial Council shocking and said investigators had seized roughly 69 billion Iraqi dinars, along with 70 real estate properties, 21 new vehicles and 3 kilograms of gold jewelry. Al-Lami said the assets were not directed toward public service projects or production facilities, but were concealed in places meant to keep them beyond the reach of the law. She argued that the theft of public funds is not merely a financial crime, but an offense against society, noting that it deprives citizens of education, healthcare and essential services. The Bar Association head stressed that the right to defense must be respected, but added that corruption will not be met with silence. Separately, the investigation into Adnan Muhammad Mahmud, who was detained on May 30 by security forces in the Ishaki district of Saladin province, is ongoing.