Iraqi security forces bust land trafficking networks in Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Nineveh

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s National Security Service announced the dismantling of two land trafficking networks and the arrest of 10 suspects in Baghdad, Dhi Qar, and Nineveh governorates on Tuesday.

In a statement, security officials detailed several operations targeting individuals involved in the fraudulent sale of government land.

In Dhi Qar, security forces apprehended three individuals caught selling a plot of state-owned land disguised as agricultural property to unsuspecting buyers. The suspects were arrested with 7 million Iraqi dinars and sales contracts in their possession.

Another network of seven individuals operating in Anbar was dismantled for promoting fabricated land allocation transactions to widows and divorcees in exchange for money. The security service seized several fraudulent transactions and an undisclosed amount of cash from the suspects.

Nineveh governorate also saw the arrest of a single individual accused of selling plots of land to buyers. The suspect was apprehended in a sting operation.

All arrested individuals and seized evidence have been referred to judicial authorities for further legal proceedings.