Baghdad: The Ministry of Interior announced the dismantling of two criminal networks involved in child trafficking in Baghdad and other provinces. In a statement, the Ministry said, “Based on the directives of the Senior Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior, Hussein al-Awadi, and in a high-quality security operation reflecting the advanced level of coordination between intelligence efforts and the competent judiciary, the Anti-Human Trafficking Directorate of the Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency, under the supervision of the First Karkh Investigation Court, dismantled two dangerous criminal networks active in child trafficking and their illegal exploitation in Baghdad and several other provinces.”

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the operation followed meticulous intelligence gathering and intensive field surveillance, based on documented information and proper judicial approvals. It resulted in the arrest of the members of both networks, the liberation of the child victims, and the provision of necessary protection and care for them in accordance with established legal and humanitarian procedures.

The Ministry confirmed that all the accused have been referred to the competent judiciary to take legal action against them. Meanwhile, security and intelligence efforts continue to track down anyone who dares to exploit children or violate their dignity and rights, as well as to completely eradicate the sources of these crimes.