Iraqi ‘kidnaps himself’ for ransom

Dubai: Baghdad police have arrested a man who falsely claimed he had been kidnapped in an attempt to extort his wife and relatives for a ransom payment, according to a statement released by security authorities, local media reported. 

Investigators said the man staged his own disappearance with the help of an accomplice, vanishing from his workplace before fleeing to Diyala Province. 

From there, he began contacting his family through calls and messages, claiming he was being held by an armed group.

He demanded 350 million Iraqi dinars, roughly $240,000, in exchange for his release, authorities said.

The National Security Service closely monitored his movements in Diyala, tracking communications and locations over several days. Police said the suspect continued sending messages in an effort to convince his family of the fabricated abduction.

Security forces eventually located and arrested him without confrontation. During questioning, the man confessed that the kidnapping story was entirely fabricated and motivated by financial pressure.

Police said legal action has been initiated against him, emphasising that the investigation confirmed the fallacy of his claims and the deliberate attempt to deceive and extort his family.