Iraq arrests 77 suspected of currency speculation, ministry says

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry said on Tuesday that 77 people had been arrested on suspicion of speculating against the dinar and manipulating the foreign exchange market. The ministry's director of media relations, Major General Miqdad Miri, said the campaign was part of efforts to strengthen economic security and protect citizens. Miri said in a written statement that the Organized Crime Directorate has been conducting field operations in Baghdad and other cities. Between the start of the Islamic month of Muharram this year and June 23, 2026, authorities initiated legal proceedings against 65 people accused of manipulating prices of basic foodstuffs and detained 77 others identified as currency speculators. Raids also led to the seizure of 34 tons of expired food products, with eight people facing legal action over food-related offenses, according to the statement. Another 22 people were issued administrative records for violating health regulations. The ministry did not provide further details on the identities of those detained or the locations of the operations.