4 suspects detained for artifacts smuggling related charges in Kirkuk

INA-  Baghdad


 
The Federal Intelligence and Investigation Agency announced on Wednesday, that four accused who were in possession of (600) pieces of artifacts had been arrested in Kirkuk.
 
 
"The Agency detachments received accurate information about a group specialized in trafficking in ancient artifacts, and an intelligence work team accompanied by a special force was formed to pursue the accused in order to reduce the damage and preserve the country's antiquities," the Agency noted in a statement obtained by the Iraqi News Agency (INA). It further that "this qualitative operation resulted in the arrest of four accused and the seizure of their possession of archaeological metal coins numbering (600) pieces in Kirkuk province."

The Agency stated, "The accused were referred to the investigative authorities to prepare for their appearance before the judiciary. Their statements were taken, and they openly confessed to smuggling ancient coins."