Iraq’s Federal Intelligence and Investigation Agency has announced the arrest of four suspects accused of operating a criminal network in Baghdad allegedly involved in financial exploitation and pressuring citizens to sell their kidneys to settle outstanding debts.
In a statement, the agency said Organized Crime Combating units in the Rusafa district carried out the operation under the direct supervision of the Deputy Minister for Intelligence and Federal Investigations. The investigation uncovered an alleged scheme targeting low-income individuals with offers of usurious loans and cash advances, followed by excessive financial demands and pressure to sell their kidneys to repay accumulated debts.
The agency stated that a specialized intelligence team arrested all four suspects, including two women, after obtaining the necessary judicial approvals. Mobile phones and records documenting the alleged lending activities and negotiations with victims were also seized.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing criminal networks that exploit vulnerable citizens and threaten public safety, stressing that appropriate legal action will be taken against those implicated.
