## Yemeni Attorney General Launches Sweeping Probe into Al-Zubaidi’s Alleged Corruption
A significant legal development has unfolded in Yemen, as Attorney General Judge Qahir Mustafa issued Decision No. 2, setting in motion a comprehensive investigation into alleged widespread corruption. This decree mandates a judicial committee, initially formed under Decision No. 1 of 2026, to meticulously scrutinize accusations of corruption, illicit enrichment, and various other crimes leveled against Aidarous Qassem Al-Zubaidi. The committee is tasked with pursuing these investigations and acting strictly in accordance with the law. Decision No. 2 is effective immediately, with all relevant authorities instructed to ensure its diligent implementation.
The Attorney General’s move comes amidst a backdrop of escalating public and political discontent in Yemen’s southern governorates. Critics argue that alleged acts of corruption, abuse of power, land grabbing, and manipulation of key economic sectors by Aidarous Al-Zubaidi, who serves as the President of the Southern Transitional Council (STC), have deeply exacerbated societal divisions and fueled grievances. The following outlines some of the primary accusations contributing to this volatile climate.
### Unraveling the Allegations: A Deep Dive into Misconduct
The accusations against Aidarous Al-Zubaidi and his close associates span multiple critical sectors, painting a picture of systematic exploitation of influence for personal gain.
#### I. Land and Real Estate Exploitation
The “land file” reveals a series of alleged illegal appropriations of valuable public and private lands, often facilitated through proxies:
* **Aden Free Zone Seizure:** Al-Zubaidi is accused of orchestrating the takeover of a vast expanse of land within the Aden Free Zone, originally earmarked for port warehouses and storage facilities crucial to Aden Port operations. This extensive plot, stretching from Caltex Roundabout in Mansoura to Al-Haswa Station in Al-Shaab City, was reportedly documented in the name of his son-in-law, Jihad Al-Shuwadhabi.
* **Workers’ Island Appropriation:** Further allegations include the seizure of a prime beachfront property on Workers’ Island (Jazirat Al-Ummal), an area falling under the jurisdiction of the Aden Port Authority. This land was also reportedly registered under Jihad Al-Shuwadhabi, with plans to subdivide it among Al-Zubaidi and his inner circle.
* **Bir Fadl Land Dispute:** Approximately 100 feddans in Bir Fadl, Aden, belonging to an individual from the northern governorates identified as “Al-Dafif,” have allegedly been appropriated. Al-Dafif is reportedly being subjected to blackmail and pressure by Jihad Al-Shuwadhabi, compelled either to relinquish the land or enter into a partnership for the development of a residential city or its outright sale.
* **Ras Imran Expansion:** A significant acquisition of 4,000 feddans in the Ras Imran area of Aden is documented under the name of Mohammed Qassem Al-Zubaidi, further highlighting the extent of alleged land accumulation by the family.
* **Al-Dareen Transport Yard:** The Land Transport Yard in Al-Dareen, Sheikh Othman, was allegedly taken over through a lease agreement with a remarkably low fee paid to the state. The primary beneficiary of this arrangement is reportedly Imad Abu Al-Rijal, the director of the STC President’s office.
* **Lahj Governorates’ Lands:** Around 1,000 feddans in Lahj governorate were purportedly acquired and documented under the name of a proxy, acting on behalf of Al-Zubaidi.
* **Engineering Institute Takeover:** The Engineering Institute in Al-Tawahi, along with several adjacent land parcels on Jabal Hail, has allegedly been seized. This is particularly contentious as the institute is designated for the training and qualification of students and engineers.
* **Yemeni Oil Company Yard:** Directives from President Aidarous Al-Zubaidi are cited in the alleged appropriation of the Yemeni Oil Company’s yard in Khor Maksar.
#### II. Manipulation of the Oil Sector
Allegations concerning the oil sector point to a sophisticated scheme to monopolize petroleum imports for substantial personal profit:
* **Import Monopoly:** It is alleged that intense pressure was exerted on the Yemeni Oil Company and its director, Tariq Al-Walidi, to restrict petroleum imports exclusively to a company linked to Jihad Al-Shuwadhabi and Minister of Transport Abdul Salam Hamid. For roughly the past two years, Al-Shuwadhabi has reportedly been the sole supplier, channeling exorbitant profits into Aidarous Al-Zubaidi’s coffers.
* **Shabwah Oil Shipments:** Over the last two years, periodic oil shipments have allegedly been imported to Qana Port in Shabwah governorate, benefiting Al-Zubaidi and Al-Shuwadhabi. Two specific quantities of these shipments reportedly involved Mohammed Al-Ghaithi.
#### III. Commercial Enterprise Control
The accusations extend to the control of prominent commercial entities, leveraging influence for financial gain:
* **Al-Ahliyah Exchange and Transfers Company:** This major exchange and remittance company, headquartered in Aden, is reportedly controlled by Jihad Al-Shuwadhabi, with Aidarous Al-Zubaidi as the ultimate beneficiary.
* **Arabian AICA for Furniture:** Currently one of the largest furniture and office supply companies, Arabian AICA, also based in Aden, is similarly alleged to be under the control of Jihad Al-Shuwadhabi, serving the financial interests of Aidarous Al-Zubaidi.
These accusations, now subject to formal investigation, underscore the gravity of the challenges facing Yemen’s southern regions, where alleged corruption continues to undermine stability and public trust.