Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, the Anti-Corruption Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Noor Zuhair and Haitham Al-Jubouri, who are implicated in a major embezzlement scandal known as the "Theft of the Century."
The case involves the misappropriation of 3.7 trillion Iraqi dinars (about $2.5 billion) from tax security deposits, uncovered just before the previous government, led by Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, ended its term.
Noor Zuhair
Zuhair, chairman of a company implicated in the case, was initially arrested but released on bail. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani reported that 5% of the stolen funds had been recovered. Known as Noor Zuhair Jassem Al-Muthaffar or Abu Fatima, Zuhair has held positions in Iraqi ports and served as an advisor to the former chairman of the Parliamentary Finance Committee. He reportedly owns over 20 luxury properties in Baghdad and has extensive financial interests.
Zuhair was apprehended while attempting to flee the country on a private jet from Baghdad International Airport. He is accused of being a central figure in the embezzlement scheme.
Zuhair was scheduled to appear before the Central Criminal Court in Baghdad on August 27 but failed to attend. Sources indicate he is currently in the UAE after a brief stay in Beirut.
Last year, PM Al-Sudani revealed that Zuhair allegedly distributed parts of the stolen funds to influential figures, including politicians and media personalities, suggesting that the total embezzled might be higher than initially estimated.
Haitham Al-Jubouri
Al-Jubouri, the second suspect, was arrested by a special anti-corruption force on November 30, 2022. His arrest was prompted by evidence of unexplained and illicit wealth, with the arrest warrant also based on confessions from Noor Zuhair.
Al-Jubouri was released on bail in early 2023 while investigations into his role in the embezzlement and illicit enrichment continued. He has previously served as a financial advisor to former Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, a former parliament member, and the parliamentary finance committee chairman.
Legal Opinion
Legal expert Ali Al-Tamimi explained that the penalty for such crimes can reach ten years in prison. He outlined that if the defendant fails to appear at upcoming court sessions, the Criminal Court may revoke bail and refer the guarantor to the Investigative Court under Article 119 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which carries a six-month prison term.
“If the court takes this step and the defendant remains absent, or if the guarantor fails to produce the defendant, the trial may proceed in absentia. The court will announce the trial publicly and set a two-month deadline. If the defendant does not appear within six months, the verdict will be issued as if the defendant were present. The ruling will be publicized across all media in Iraq, and Interpol may be contacted to bring the fugitive to justice.”