DUBAI, UAE - Nour Zuhair and Haitham Al-Jubouri, the main suspects in Iraq’s notorious Heist of the Century case, failed to appear for their court hearing for the second time since they were offered bail, forcing the trial to be delayed until November 21.

The court detained six guarantors—three for each defendant—after their continued absence. Legal procedures are expected to take additional time, with authorities planning to issue arrest warrants following the required public notifications and summons.

Iraqi Member of Parliament Mustafa Sanad voiced his frustration over the delays, stressing sarcastically the importance of following up on critical cases like this in a system where even routine matters can face lengthy setbacks.

The trial, which revolves around the largest corruption scandal in Iraq’s modern history, comes after the Anti-Corruption Criminal Court in Baghdad issued an arrest warrant for Zuhair on August 27, 2024, after he failed to appear in court for the second time. 

Zuhair, a businessman, faces charges linked to the massive theft of tax deposits. The trial was initially postponed when his legal team requested a delay during the first missed session.

Mustafa Sanad, who has filed a lawsuit against Zuhair, confirmed the court’s decision in a video, stating that the judge gave a September 9 deadline for the suspect to be brought to court by his guarantors. 

The court also issued an arrest warrant for former Iraqi parliament member Haitham al-Jubouri, who is implicated in the same case. Legal experts have weighed in, calling the cancellation of Zuhair’s bail bond a routine legal procedure. 

They warned that arrest warrants could extend to Zuhair's guarantors if no valid excuse for his absence is presented. Further action, including a trial in absentia or a notice to Interpol, could follow.

Zuhair’s repeated failure to appear in court has drawn public attention, especially after he previously vowed to attend and reveal the names of officials allegedly involved in the scandal.