Basra police crack down on fake ticket network for Iraq-Jordan match

BASRA — Basra Police announced Saturday the arrest of a network involved in counterfeiting entry tickets for Palm Trunk Stadium, confiscating 159 fake tickets. The group, led by a travel and tourism company owner, admitted to selling 450 counterfeit tickets for Thursday’s World Cup qualifier between Iraq and Jordan, which ended in a goalless draw.

According to a statement from the Basra Police Command, officers intercepted the operation as spectators entered the Basra International Stadium for the Iraq-Jordan match. Several suspects were detained in possession of 159 counterfeit tickets and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Investigations revealed that the fake tickets originated from a tourism company owner. A security task force, in collaboration with the event’s organizing company, tracked and apprehended the primary suspect along with two accomplices. During questioning, the suspect confessed to forging and selling approximately 450 counterfeit tickets.

“This case highlights the Basra Police Command’s commitment not only to securing the match and protecting spectators but also to cracking down on related criminal activities like fraud and counterfeiting,” the statement read. “Their efforts ensured the integrity of the sporting event.”