Three Asayish personnel wounded in Erbil raid on counterfeit money ring

ERBIL, Iraq — The Kurdistan Region Asayish said on Saturday that a three-member gang accused of trading counterfeit currency was dismantled in a security operation in Erbil. According to the Asayish statement, intelligence units of the East Erbil Asayish Directorate launched the operation at 8:55 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, near the Ashti subdistrict after gathering information on the group's activities. During the raid, the suspects resisted arrest and opened fire on the security forces, wounding three Asayish personnel in the ensuing clash. All three gang members were detained. Investigators said the group advertised counterfeit money for sale on TikTok and Snapchat, lured victims to designated locations, and then robbed them at gunpoint. The three suspects have been remanded for trial under Articles 406 and 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code. Asayish officials said the investigation is continuing to uncover any links connected to the case and to complete the legal process. No further details were immediately available.