Baghdad: The Iraqi National Security Service (INSS) announced on Thursday that it had dismantled a forgery network that had seized billions of dinars in Basra Governorate.

According to Iraqi News Agency, the service stated, ‘As part of ongoing efforts to pursue corruption and organized crime networks, and based on precise intelligence and continuous field monitoring, National Security Service units in Basra Governorate, after obtaining the necessary judicial approvals, succeeded in dismantling a dangerous network specializing in forgery and fraud.’

The statement further revealed that the operation led to the arrest of a primary school principal, who was involved in forging and promoting compensation transactions related to land at the West Qurna oil field, seizing billions of dinars. During the arrest, authorities discovered 36 official stamps belonging to government and tribal entities in his possession, along with large sums of money. The principal also owned real estate and residential buildings acquired through illegal activities.

The investigation continued, and the first suspect’s confessions resulted in the identification and arrest of two accomplices. One of the accomplices held the position of a section manager in one of the governorate’s districts, bringing the total number of detainees to three.

The Iraqi National Security Service emphasized that the suspects were detained in accordance with legal procedures and have been referred to the competent authorities for further legal action.