Three suspects stand handcuffed between armed security officers following their arrest in Halabja on charges of stealing from mosque and hospital donation boxes.
Halabja police arrest teens over theft from mosque and hospital donation boxes
HALABJA — Police in Halabja said they arrested three teenagers accused of stealing money from donation boxes at two mosques and from a collection box supporting Hiwa Hospital in Sulaymaniyah.
In a statement, police said the Anti-Crime Unit, working with Sharazur security forces, detained the suspects — two 17-year-olds and a 14-year-old, all Arab nationals.
“After the investigation, they confessed to stealing the money from a support box for Hiwa Hospital in a market in the Marzabot neighborhood, and at present the suspects are under further investigation,” the statement said.
Police said the suspects also admitted to stealing from mosque donation boxes, which are commonly used to fund upkeep and services.
Hiwa Hospital, a cancer treatment facility in Sulaymaniyah, depends heavily on public support, with donation boxes placed in public areas and supermarkets to raise funds for patient care and services.