Arrests of arms dealers continue
Iraq’s interior ministry cracks down on online arms trade
BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced Monday that it has tightened control over online arms markets, closely monitoring social media platforms and arresting individuals involved in the unlicensed trade of weapons.
The crackdown comes after the closure and permanent shutdown of the physical arms market in Baghdad’s Sadr City, prompting vendors to shift to digital platforms such as Telegram to continue their trade. These online groups often display photos and details of various weapons, facilitating negotiations and transactions remotely.
Miqdad Al-Mousawi, a spokesperson for the Interior Ministry, detailed the efforts in a statement to Al-Mada newspaper. “Our teams, including those from the Intelligence Agency and monitoring units, are actively tracking online arms markets across Baghdad and other governorates. Numerous sites have been shut down, and arrests are made daily,” Al-Mousawi said.
The ministry’s initiative targets platforms where arms are advertised and sold without official licenses, posing significant risks to public security.
Last week, 964media reported on a Telegram group titled “Weapons Market in Sadr City Only,” which boasts over 6,000 members and offers everything from rifles to hand grenades at varying prices.
A member of the group told 964media, “This online group became a crucial source of income following the Meridi market closure. We strictly regulate posting times as determined by the group administrators.”
Iraqi law is stringent on unauthorized arms dealings. Article 24 of the Arms Law No. 51 of 2017 mandates severe penalties for those involved in smuggling or manufacturing military weapons, including potential life imprisonment or death if linked to terrorism or public security threats.
Additionally, Article 3 of the same law imposes penalties of up to one year in prison and fines ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 dinars ($382 to $764) for anyone dealing in firearms or ammunition without a license.
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