Iraqi police foil attempt to sell newborn in Baghdad’s Karrada district

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Federal Police announced on Sunday that it successfully thwarted an attempt to sell a newborn baby in the Karrada district of Baghdad.

In a statement from the Ministry of Interior, the Federal Police detailed the operation as part of its broader efforts to combat crime and ensure justice for offenders. “In a high-profile operation reflecting our commitment to tackling crime in all its forms, a team from the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division, in coordination with the Directorate of Organized Crime, apprehended five women in central Baghdad’s Karrada district,” the statement read.

The operation was conducted following precise intelligence that monitored the suspects’ movements. According to the statement, the women were attempting to sell a seven-day-old infant for $80,000. “The suspects were arrested based on verified security information confirming their intent to sell the newborn,” the police reported.

This marks the second similar incident reported on Sunday. Earlier in the day, the Directorate for Combating Human Trafficking and Organ Trade in Najaf announced the arrest of an individual attempting to sell a child for 75 million Iraqi dinars (approximately $49,800) in Kufa’s Sahla area.

On July 16, 2024, Iraq’s Ministry of Interior revealed that 345 individuals were apprehended for involvement in human trafficking during the first half of the year. Speaking to Al-Sabah newspaper, Ministry spokesperson Brigadier General Muqdad Miri underscored the government’s intensified efforts in addressing the issue. “The ministry has launched extensive campaigns to combat and reduce human trafficking crimes, resulting in the arrest of 345 suspects over the past six months,” Miri said.

These anti-trafficking initiatives are rooted in Iraq’s Law No. 28 of 2012, known as the “Anti-Human Trafficking Law.” The legislation is designed to prevent trafficking, protect victims, and prosecute offenders, ensuring comprehensive legal measures to safeguard society.

Under Article 7 of the law, penalties for organ trafficking include imprisonment of up to 10 years and fines ranging from 10 million Iraqi dinars ($7,645) to 25 million Iraqi dinars ($19,113).