2 antiquities smuggling networks arrested in Saladin and Karbala

Baghdad - INA

The Federal Intelligence and Investigation Agency announced today, Saturday, the overthrow of two antiquities smuggling networks in the holy Karbala and Salah al-Din.

The agency stated in a statement, received by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), that “detachments of the intelligence agency specialized in combating terrorism in Salah al-Din, and through its intelligence deployment, monitored information indicating the existence of a network for trading and smuggling antiquities.”.

The statement added, "Immediately, an intelligence work team was formed to verify the information and determine their whereabouts. After obtaining proper judicial approvals, the network was raided and one of the accused was arrested in possession of various antiquities.".

He continued, “In another separate operation carried out by the detachments of the agency responsible for combating organized crime in Karbala, based on accurate intelligence information, during which it resulted in the arrest of five defendants (two of whom were of Arab nationalities), in possession of an antique book dating back to ancient historical times, and upon investigation.” They frankly admitted to smuggling and trading in antiquities, pointing out that “all of the accused were referred to the competent authorities to receive fair punishment.”