Baghdad police arrest scammer in car extortion scheme

BAGHDAD — Al-Rusafa police in Baghdad announced on Sunday the arrest of a scammer who threw himself in front of cars to extort money from unsuspecting drivers.

According to a police statement, the operation was conducted under the supervision of the Al-Rusafa Police Commander after authorities received reports of a gang specializing in fraud and deception.

“One of the gang members would deliberately throw himself in front of passing cars, pretending to be injured,” the statement said. The unsuspecting driver would then rush the individual to the hospital, only to be pressured by the gang into paying compensation for the supposed injuries. “If the driver refused to pay, the gang would resort to tribal threats,” the police added.

A special task force was formed to track down the suspects. After gathering intelligence, officers lured one of the accused into a restaurant in the Adhamiya area and arrested him.

The suspect confessed to multiple incidents of fraud during interrogation. Legal action has been taken against him, and the investigation is ongoing.