{"id":952,"date":"2024-08-29T14:54:04","date_gmt":"2024-08-29T11:54:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lovin.co\/baghdad\/en\/?p=952"},"modified":"2024-08-29T14:55:20","modified_gmt":"2024-08-29T11:55:20","slug":"iraqs-theft-of-the-century-case-nour-zuhairs-trial-faces-new-hurdles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lovin.co\/baghdad\/en\/latest\/iraqs-theft-of-the-century-case-nour-zuhairs-trial-faces-new-hurdles\/","title":{"rendered":"Iraq’s ‘Theft of the Century’ Case: Nour Zuhair’s Trial Faces New Hurdles"},"content":{"rendered":"

The case of Nour Zuhair, the most prominent figure implicated in Iraq’s infamous “theft of the century,” has once again captured public attention. Recent reports from Beirut, Lebanon, claim that Zuhair was involved in a traffic accident. However, these reports have been met with widespread skepticism, with many suspecting that the story is merely a pretext to delay his impending court appearance. Critics have also raised concerns over the judiciary’s track record of granting bail to corruption suspects, who often flee the country before facing justice.<\/p>\n

\"Iraqi<\/p>\n

This high-profile case, often referred to as the “theft of tax deposits,” was first exposed in October 2022, triggering widespread public outrage in Iraq. The scandal revealed the involvement of former officials and influential businessmen in the embezzlement of a staggering sum\u2014no less than $2.5 billion\u2014between September 2021 and August 2022. The funds were siphoned off through 247 checks cashed by five companies, whose owners subsequently fled Iraq with the money.<\/p>\n

Zuhair’s trial was originally scheduled to begin on August 14, but the proceedings were postponed when he failed to appear in court. MP Mustafa Sand confirmed the postponement on his Facebook page, further fueling suspicions about Zuhair’s intentions.<\/p>\n

Subsequent reports suggested that Zuhair had been injured in an accident in Beirut, raising eyebrows and leading to speculation that he might be attempting to evade his court appearance scheduled for August 27, or perhaps delay the case altogether.<\/p>\n

Adding to the controversy, Iraqi MP Sarwa Abdul Wahid dismissed the reports of Zuhair’s accident, citing reliable sources in Beirut. She also revealed on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the doctor who allegedly falsified Zuhair’s medical report at Saint Therese Hospital has been referred for investigatio.<\/p>\n

The “Theft of the Century” in Iraq involved several high-profile figures, including former government officials and prominent businessmen. Here are some of the key individuals and entities reportedly involved:<\/p>\n