Iraq customs seize $83,000 hidden in luggage at Baghdad airport

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's General Customs Authority said it seized $83,000 hidden in the luggage of a passenger arriving at Baghdad International Airport from Istanbul, foiling an attempt to smuggle the cash into the country. In a written statement, the authority said the money was discovered during a detailed search of the arrivals hall. The passenger, an Iraqi citizen, had flown in on a Turkish Airlines flight from Istanbul and attempted to bring the undeclared cash into Iraq, according to the statement. The customs authority said legal proceedings have been initiated against the traveler and the seized cash in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. The statement did not identify the passenger or provide further details on the case. The authority added that preventing smuggling attempts and protecting the national economy remain a core part of its ongoing operations. No further details were immediately available.