Shafaq News..Security forces bust fraud and illegal internet networks in Iraq

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq’s Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency (FIIA)
foiled an alleged financial fraud scheme involving illegal dollar sales and
digital wallet theft that targeted thousands of Iraqis, a security source told
Shafaq News on Monday.

The agency arrested Murtadha Abbas Mohsen Al-Namash and
several other members of the network after tracking their online activity. According
to the source, the group posed as companies selling US dollars to citizens and
travelers through social media, using deception and extortion to obtain money
and other financial assets.

Authorities also shut down digital channels and platforms
used in the alleged scheme. The source said the channels involved around 5,000
subscribers on OKX, 1,800 on Binance, 1,400 on Bybit, and 10 on MEXC.

Earlier this month, Iraq’s Federal Police seized more than
$2 million in counterfeit US currency and arrested two suspects in separate
operations in Baghdad.

Meanwhile, Communications Minister Mustafa Sanad said the
Iraqi National Security Service (INSS) dismantled one of Iraq’s largest
networks for illegally obtaining and reselling bundled and satellite internet
services. INSS seized equipment and arrested the head of the Baghdad-based
network. “Other networks have also been identified and will be dismantled, with
their members arrested.”

According to Sanad, unauthorized bundled and satellite
internet services cost the state more than 100 billion dinars (about $763.06M)
annually.