Iraq: Prison sentences and heavy fines for a former deputy and a deputy minister of oil - Sarmad

(KUNA) – The Federal Integrity Authority in the Republic of Iraq announced on Sunday that sentences of imprisonment and substantial fines were issued against former MP Talal Al-Zubai and Ali Ma’araj Ladan, Deputy Minister of Oil for Distribution Affairs, for their conviction of the crime of illicit enrichment.

In a statement, the Authority noted that the Central Court of Cassation for Combating Corruption issued an in absentia ruling sentencing Al-Zubai to seven years in prison, in accordance with the amended Federal Integrity Authority and Illicit Enrichment Law.

The court ordered the convicted individual to repay illicit gains amounting to approximately $26 million, imposed a fine equivalent to the value of the illicit gains, and upheld the seizure of his movable and immovable assets. Additionally, three properties owned by him in Iraq and Jordan, valued at 6 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $4.6 million), were confiscated, along with the cash and gold bars found in his possession.

In a separate statement, the Authority indicated that the same court sentenced Ali Ma’araj, Deputy Minister of Oil for Distribution Affairs, to seven years in prison under the provisions of the amended Federal Integrity Authority and Illicit Enrichment Law.

The ruling also mandated the repayment of illicit gains totaling approximately $20 million, imposed a fine equivalent to the value of the illicit gains, upheld the seizure of his movable and immovable assets, and confiscated the cash, gold bars, and properties found to belong to him.

Al-Zubai and Ma’araj were arrested as part of a broad campaign launched by the Iraqi government to combat corruption, which has resulted in the detention of Iraqi MPs and senior state officials.