Iraq arrests suspect in Najaf over sale of banned drones, tracking devices

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Intelligence and Federal Investigations Bureau said it has arrested a suspect in Najaf accused of selling banned drones, hidden cameras and tracking devices through a TikTok account. The operation was carried out under the Interior Ministry's efforts to monitor illegal activities, based on intelligence leads, the bureau said in a statement. Investigators determined that the suspect marketed the prohibited equipment on a TikTok account before being detained following field and intelligence work. A search yielded four drones, four concealed cameras and 11 prohibited GPS tracking devices, according to the bureau. Legal proceedings have been opened against the detainee under Article 4 of Iraq's counter-terrorism law, under the supervision of the relevant judicial authority. No further details were immediately available on the suspect's identity or possible links to armed groups.