Eight detained in gambling raid in Duhok province

DUHOK, Iraq — Police in Duhok province said they detained eight suspects caught gambling at a gathering in a village on the outskirts of the city. The Duhok Police Directorate said the Crime Combating Department carried out the operation after obtaining approval from an investigating judge, with the suspects apprehended in the act. Officers seized all equipment used in the gambling activity, the directorate said. The eight detainees are being held at the Crime Combating Division's investigation bureau pending interrogation, and the inquiry remains ongoing. The charges against the suspects are based on Article 389 of Iraqi Penal Code No. 111 of 1969, which provides for imprisonment and a fine for opening or operating a gambling house or organizing gambling games in a public venue. Authorities said the judicial order for the raid was secured beforehand and that the investigation is proceeding in coordination with the courts.