Iraqi National Security Service arrests 12 suspects in Basra smuggling case

BASRA, Iraq — Iraq's National Security Service said it arrested 12 suspects in Basra over alleged customs fraud linked to large commercial shipments. The agency said the operation followed an intelligence investigation and judicial authorization, and that three officials responsible for the irregularities were among those detained. Investigators determined that the financial irregularities caused public losses of approximately 19 billion Iraqi dinars, according to the service. The suspects were referred to the judiciary along with seized goods for legal proceedings. The case stems from intelligence monitoring of customs declaration fraud in Basra that diverted major commercial shipments into smuggling channels, the National Security Service said. The agency added that legal action against the suspects would proceed under standard judicial process. No further details were immediately available.