Forget the usual stacks of cash and gold bars, what's grabbing eyeballs in Iraq's latest anti-corruption crackdown is the viral claim that investigators stumbled upon a gold bra and panty set during a raid.
Social media has been ablaze with photos allegedly showing US$57 million (Rs 490 crore) in cash, 27 kg of gold, and luxury items said to have been recovered from the residence of politician Hind Al-Abbasi. The most sensational claim? "Golden undergarments" tucked among the loot.
While the images of shimmering lingerie have sparked global chatter, Iraqi authorities have not officially confirmed the recovery. Fact-checkers caution that the viral photos may be exaggerated or even linked to raids on other politicians of Iraq, including MP Alia Nassif, where large sums of cash and gold were reportedly seized.
What is certain is Iraq's sweeping anti-corruption campaign, which has already led to raids on multiple officials and the detention of dozens of suspects. The government says the drive targets money laundering and misuse of public funds.
Whether the gold bra and panty are real or just internet myth, the story has added a surreal twist to Iraq's corruption narrative, turning a grim crackdown into a bizarre viral spectacle.