Iraq Seizes 80,000 Liters of Smuggled Oil, Arrests Five
Iraq’s National Security Service says operations in Basra, Dhi Qar and Salahaddin led to five arrests and the seizure of 80,000 liters of crude oil.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraq's National Security Service (INSS) has dismantled several alleged crude oil smuggling networks in Basra, Dhi Qar and Salahaddin, seizing about 80,000 liters of oil and arresting five suspects, the agency said Friday.
The operations were conducted following intelligence gathering and judicial authorization, according to the INSS Directorate of Communications and Media.
Oil shipments intercepted
In Basra and Dhi Qar, security forces intercepted two tankers carrying approximately 80,000 liters of crude oil believed to have been illegally obtained for smuggling, the security service said. One suspect was arrested during the operation.
Further intelligence work in Dhi Qar led investigators to three alleged smuggling locations near the Imam Ali base along the Dhi Qar highway. Two suspects were arrested as they allegedly attempted to escape through the Sidra checkpoint, according to the INSS.
The agency said the operations were based on information gathered by its specialized intelligence teams and carried out with judicial approval.
Underground pipeline uncovered
In a separate operation in the Siniyah sub-district of Baiji district, INSS personnel uncovered an alleged oil-smuggling operation operating behind a car wash.
According to the security service, investigators found a subterranean pipeline reportedly connected to the Siniyah refinery and designed to siphon crude oil from the facility.
Authorities said they also found oil spills at the site and other indications that the underground pipeline had been used. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.
The discovery added another dimension to the investigation, with authorities examining a concealed system allegedly used to move crude oil outside authorized channels.
Suspects referred to judiciary
The INSS said all five suspects, along with the seized materials, were transferred to the relevant judicial authorities for legal proceedings.
The agency did not provide further details on the charges or potential penalties facing the suspects.