Four detained in Baghdad over alleged kidney-sale debt scheme

Iraqi security officers arrested four people, including two women, suspected of exploiting low-income borrowers. The Interior Ministry alleged that mounting debts were used to pressure people into selling their kidneys.

The operation took place in Baghdad's Al-Rusafa district after judicial approval. In its October 11 statement, the ministry described a scheme involving loans and advances with extremely high interest and difficult repayment terms.

Investigators alleged that the resulting debts became a means of pressuring borrowers. RIA Novosti and local agency Shafaq reported the arrests.

Officers seized mobile phones and records that the ministry said documented lending activities and negotiations with victims. The announcement did not specify how many people were affected. The arrests do not establish the suspects' guilt in court.