Iraqi authorities arrest armed gang impersonating security officers in billion-dinar heist

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces have arrested a gang that posed as security officers to carry out an armed robbery in Baghdad’s upscale Al-Mansour district, stealing nearly one billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $667,000) and a Cadillac, authorities announced on Tuesday.

Baghdad’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation detailed the operation in a statement, explaining that specialized units were dispatched immediately after receiving intelligence about the crime. Investigators collected evidence at the scene and tracked the perpetrators, ultimately leading to their arrest.

“Through exceptional efforts and detailed investigations, the authorities identified and apprehended the gang members. During interrogations, the suspects confessed to committing the robbery,” the statement said.

The gang had targeted a residential home, seizing a large sum of cash and a luxury vehicle under the guise of being members of an official security agency.