Iraq says three human trafficking networks dismantled in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry said its Anti-Human Trafficking Directorate, operating under the Intelligence and Federal Investigation Agency, dismantled three separate trafficking networks in Baghdad. The ministry said one of the networks operated internationally and engaged in organ trafficking, including the illegal sale of kidneys. The operations were carried out under the direction of former Interior Ministry Undersecretary Hussein al-Awadi and the supervision of the Karkh First Investigation Court in Baghdad, the ministry said. Intelligence work, field surveillance and documented information, combined with judicial authorization, led to coordinated security raids, the statement added. A number of suspects were detained and evidence exposing their criminal activities was seized, according to the ministry. All suspects were referred to the relevant judicial authorities for legal proceedings. The Anti-Human Trafficking Directorate said it would continue efforts to cut off the resources of organized crime networks and pursue anti-trafficking operations. No further details were immediately available.