INA- Baghdad
The five accused who exchanged thirteen artifacts in Babil were apprehended, according to a Federal Intelligence and Investigative Agency announcement on Wednesday.
"The detachments of the Intelligence Agency specialized in combating organized crime in Babil, continue to follow up on outlaws and traffickers in Iraqi antiquities, and through intensifying efforts, they inquired about the intention of a group of people to sell precious antiquities," reads an intelligence statement obtained by the Iraqi News Agency (INA).
"After receiving the original judicial approvals, an intelligence team was formed, and with a tight ambush, five accused were arrested in possession of twelve gold ancient artifacts and one antique jar," the statement continued.
Additionally, it stated that "a seizure report has been organized with the materials that are suspected to be archaeological and the defendants' condition to the concerned authorities in preparation for their court appearance."
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