Man arrested at opening of massage center in Najaf over suspected prostitution offenses

NAJAF, Iraq — A man who opened a massage center in Najaf was taken into custody shortly after the launch, according to a security source. The owner had approached young people to promote the business and offer them discounted first visits, only to learn they were intelligence officers, the source said. The intelligence team found women working at the center and arranged for the young visitors to pose as first customers, according to the account. The suspect was detained following the operation. The source said the arrest was carried out under Article 4 of Law No. 15 of 2024, an amendment to Iraq's anti-prostitution legislation. The case comes as security forces in Najaf continue inspections of similar establishments. Officials said legal action would continue against those engaged in comparable activities. No further details were immediately available.