Baghdad police arrest motorcycle theft gang

BAGHDAD — The Baghdad Crime Prevention Directorate announced on Wednesday the arrest of a gang specializing in motorcycle theft in the southern areas of the capital. The arrests followed an incident in which the gang assaulted a tuk-tuk driver, striking him on the head, causing him to lose consciousness, and stealing his vehicle.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Interior, “After receiving information, the Baghdad Crime Prevention Directorate formed a specialized task force to investigate and gather intelligence. With the assistance of technical expertise, the identities of the perpetrators were identified, and they were apprehended.”

“During interrogation, the gang members confessed to committing multiple motorcycle thefts, as well as other crimes,” the statement added.

The suspects have been referred to the judiciary for further legal proceedings.

Several motorcycle thefts have been noted this year across the country. In June, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior reported the arrest of a four-member gang involved in motorcycle thefts in the Al-Rumaitha and Al-Samawa districts of Al-Muthanna province, following citizen complaints.

Later in August, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of six suspects involved in motorcycle theft during security operations conducted across both Karkh and Rusafa areas in Baghdad.