Iraqi Ministry of Interior reports significant decrease in crime rates
However, he noted an increase in suicide rates by 6%.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24)—On Sunday, Brigadier General Miqdad Miri, the spokesperson for the Iraqi Federal Interior Ministry, announced the most prominent activities of the ministry’s directorates from the beginning of the year until the end of June, highlighting a significant decrease in various crime rates, including corruption, bribery, embezzlement, and forgery.
However, he noted an increase in suicide rates by 6%.
Miri reported that Basra experienced the most substantial crime rate decrease at 28%, whereas Muthanna saw a 4% increase, marking it as the worst in terms of crime rate changes.
Key Achievements:
Federal Intelligence and Investigation Agency:
- Executed 34,979 arrest warrants.
- Destroyed 131 ISIS hideouts.
- Seized 826 explosive devices and 10,620 various weapons.
- Intercepted numerous oil tankers and smuggling operations.
Crime Directorate:
- Executed 29,251 arrest warrants.
- Seized 301 kg of narcotics and 578 grams of other drugs.
- Destroyed 42 ISIS hideouts.
- Arrested 345 human organ traffickers.
- Confiscated 5,421 weapons and 2 tons of smuggled drugs.
Statistics Overview:
- Decrease in criminal activities: Theft (-6%), forgery (-15%), fraud (-19%), car theft (-17%), armed robbery (-46%), murder (-13%), assault (-25%), kidnapping (-12%), and rape (-28%).
- Drug-related activities: Seized 1,822,740 tons of various drugs with a 4% decrease in drug use and arrested 7,705 drug suspects, including 1,435 local and 147 international dealers.
Baghdad Crime Control:
- Issued 1,966 sentences against defendants, including 22 death and 32 life sentences.
Border Protection:
- Installed 717 thermal and mobile cameras, 919 broadcasting equipment, and 313,000 km optical cable.
- Constructed 231 new police stations, 926 km of bellows fence, 1,570 concrete towers, 563 km of trenches, and 185 km of earthen dam.
- Arrested 50,445 suspects and intercepted significant amounts of smuggled fuel and currency.
Rapid Response and Energy Police:
- Rapid Response Division: Arrested 1,025 suspects, seized 66,879 kg of drugs, and confiscated money valued at $32,000 and 7 million Iraqi dinars.
- Energy Police: Seized 404 vehicles, 32 dens, and 11 million liters of petroleum derivatives prepared for smuggling. Arrested 426 suspects and shut down a violating station.
Civil Defense and Explosives Control:
- Extinguished 5,544 fires, rescued 165 individuals, conducted 892 preliminary examinations, and treated 552 unexploded bombs.
- Seized 3,012 explosive devices and grenades.
Technological Advancements and Financial Contributions:
- Completing the intelligent traffic system, leading to a decrease in traffic violations to 1,829,877.
- Issued 49,550 driving licenses, generating 245 billion and 870 thousand dinars in state revenue.
- The Police Martyrs Fund provided extensive financial and in-kind assistance to the families of martyrs.
Training and Anti-Corruption Efforts:
- Conducted 3,218 local and 70 international training activities.
- Dismissed 320 police officers, 36 officers, and 284 ranks for corruption.
- Observed a 10% decrease in bribery, 70% in embezzlement, and 8% in forgery.
Cultural Initiatives:
- Introduced literary and cultural activities for the Bataween, increasing real estate prices due to improved security.
The comprehensive report by the Ministry of Interior showcases a significant effort in reducing crime rates and enhancing security measures across Iraq. However, the rise in suicide rates remains a concern.
