Energy police seize 2.58 million liters of smuggled fuel, arrest 88 since January

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Energy Police Directorate announced the seizure of approximately 2.58 million liters of smuggled petroleum products and the arrest of 88 suspects since the beginning of the year.

Director General Dhafir al-Husseini told the Iraqi News Agency that field units carried out operations from Jan. 1 through Feb. 18, “resulting in the arrest of 88 individuals accused of smuggling oil derivatives across various governorates.”

Husseini said the operations led to the seizure of “90 tanker trucks and vehicles of various sizes prepared for smuggling,” the raid of “nine sites used as hubs for manipulation and illicit trade,” and the detection of “three fuel stations operating in violation of regulations.”

Regarding pipeline security, Husseini said “the rate of breaches and violations against oil pipelines reached zero percent,” while the overall reduction in smuggling operations reached 98 percent.

He said the directorate relies on an advanced monitoring system, including thermal cameras and drones, to secure vital facilities and pipeline networks.

From Jan. 1 to Dec. 15, 2025, the directorate seized more than 27 million liters of petroleum products, captured 995 vehicles and dismantled 58 sites prepared for smuggling. In October 2025, the Energy Police began using drones to monitor oil infrastructure nationwide.