Three arrested in Erbil for secretly filming, blackmailing guests in rental apartment

ERBIL — Security forces in Erbil have arrested three individuals accused of secretly recording guests in a rented apartment using a hidden camera concealed inside a portable speaker, then blackmailing them with the footage.

According to a statement from the Erbil Security Directorate, the suspects rented an apartment in one of the city’s residential complexes and invited multiple people under the guise of social gatherings. “They used several women to attract victims to the apartment,” the statement said.

Once inside, victims were unknowingly filmed in compromising situations. “More than ten individuals were filmed without their knowledge,” the statement added.

The group then allegedly threatened to publish the footage unless the victims paid large sums of money.

The suspects were identified by their initials as Q.A.A., M.G.S., and F.F.J. They were arrested under a court order.

Authorities said investigations are ongoing.