Investigation opened after exam booklets with answers seized at Baghdad airport

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Education Ministry ordered an urgent investigation Thursday after security authorities intercepted a traveler at Baghdad International Airport carrying sixth preparatory exam booklets, seven of which allegedly contained completed answers.

A customs seizure report dated June 10 states that a search of the traveler’s luggage in the departures hall uncovered materials marked “circulation outside the Ministry of Education is prohibited.” The items included 51 blank examination booklets, seven booklets registered to a student allegedly containing answers, three blue examination booklets, two student fingerprint forms, seven absentee student forms and eight sealing stickers used for examination booklets.

Education Minister Abdul Karim al-Abtan directed an “immediate and urgent investigation” following an emergency meeting Thursday night to review the incident, the ministry said. It praised security forces for detecting the materials and sought to reassure students and parents that public examinations were proceeding under “solid regulations and strict security and technical measures.”

Parliament’s Education Committee member Haider al-Mutairi described the incident as “another resounding crime” affecting the integrity of Iraq’s education system, saying 61 exam booklets had been prepared for smuggling, including seven with answers belonging to a student he described as a “VIP”, suggesting the student has connections to someone in power.

The incident comes during Iraq’s nationwide standardized examination season, when authorities enforce extensive security measures including temporary internet shutdowns during examination hours and strict controls on the handling and transport of examination materials.