# Hundreds of Millions of US Dollars found in Iraq... Then What? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [April 28, 2005, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hundreds-of-millions-of-us-dollars-found-in-iraq-then-what/301470 "2005-04-28T01:31:57Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DustyButt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc348/32.png) [@DustyButt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DustyButt)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2005, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hundreds-of-millions-of-us-dollars-found-in-iraq-then-what/301470/1 "2005-04-28T01:31:57Z")
This is a two part question. I recently saw a short piece on TV about hundreds of millions of American dollars found by US troops in Iraq. Apparently after trying to fatten their pockets, a few soldiers were arrested. Can they really be found guilty for keeping a few dollars that belonged to noone? After the money is confiscated what happens to it. Does it go to G. Dubs account? Can they send me a couple’a bucks? It is found cash after all! And I’m a really good guy! Just wondering. RTRDG ---
**Author:** ![Ale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/f19dbf/32.png) [@Ale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ale)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2005, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hundreds-of-millions-of-us-dollars-found-in-iraq-then-what/301470/2 "2005-04-28T02:34:16Z")
I think the Iraqi people would have made a fuss, and rightly so; whatever assets found in Iraq, are theirs (whether private or statal); the correct procedure would be to secure them until the rightful owner is found. Taking away values you find around a conquered nation is spoiling, plundering; frowned upon by modern, professional armies; and if I´m not mistaken it can ground you on a court martial in the U.S.A and probably in most other countries. ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2005, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hundreds-of-millions-of-us-dollars-found-in-iraq-then-what/301470/3 "2005-04-28T03:16:51Z")
It also occurs to me that much of that money might be counterfeit, in which case anyone trying to pass it (regardless of how it was obtained) might be guilty of a crime, and would certainly find the bits of paper confiscated by the authorities. ---
**Author:** ![friedo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/8edcca/32.png) [@friedo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/friedo)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2005, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hundreds-of-millions-of-us-dollars-found-in-iraq-then-what/301470/4 "2005-04-28T04:11:48Z")
There was a similar case shortly after the invasion where American troops happened upon a suitcase full of cash in one of Saddam’s palaces or hiding places. The money was turned over to the occupation government. ---
**Author:** ![David\_Simmons](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Post date:** [April 28, 2005, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hundreds-of-millions-of-us-dollars-found-in-iraq-then-what/301470/5 "2005-04-28T04:17:35Z")
> [@Ale](#): > > I think the Iraqi people would have made a fuss, and rightly so; whatever assets found in Iraq, are theirs (whether private or statal); the correct procedure would be to secure them until the rightful owner is found. > > Taking away values you find around a conquered nation is spoiling, plundering; frowned upon by modern, professional armies; and if I´m not mistaken it can ground you on a court martial in the U.S.A and probably in most other countries. In a war, as far as I know, all property captured is property of the US Government. This is so in order to prevent looting, among other reasons. If an army gets a reputation for taking the time out to loot and generally have a good time after a victorious battle there is nothing easier than to provide such an opportunity and then strike while the troops are busy at their looting.