Iraq uncovers multi-billion dinar land compensation fraud in Basra

BASRA, Iraq — Iraq's National Security Service announced it has dismantled a network accused of fraud involving billions of dinars in land compensation payments in Basra. According to the service, the investigation began with the arrest of an elementary school principal found to have forged documents tied to land compensation procedures at the West Qurna oil field, generating illicit proceeds. A search of the suspect uncovered 36 official stamps from government bodies and tribal authorities, along with a significant amount of cash. Authorities also identified multiple real estate properties and residential buildings purchased with the proceeds of the scheme. Acting on the principal's statements, investigators detained two additional suspects, including a district department director, bringing the total number of detainees in the case to three. The National Security Service said the three suspects were referred to the competent judiciary after legal proceedings were completed. Further details were not immediately available.