Iraq’s oldest thief? Police arrest 77-year-old woman in theft spree

Dubai: Iraqi police have arrested a 77-year-old woman believed to be the country’s oldest known thief, along with her son, in connection with a string of thefts across the city of Najaf.

According to a statement from the Najaf Police Command, the mother-son duo is accused of carrying out at least 10 thefts targeting homes, shops, and jewellery stores.

The woman, described as one of the oldest individuals to ever be involved in such crimes in Iraq, allegedly handled the resale of stolen goods, while her son committed the thefts.

Among the reported incidents was the snatching of a gold necklace from a young girl in a local market — a case that shocked many due to the involvement of an elderly woman in such a crime. Other thefts involved gold, cash, and motorcycles.

Authorities recovered several items that had not yet been sold. The pair has been transferred to the judiciary for further investigation and legal proceedings.

While the police did not release the woman’s name or confirm her age, local broadcaster Alsumaria reported that she is 77, making her Iraq’s oldest known professional thief on record.

The arrest has drawn public attention not only because of the suspect’s age but also due to the unusual family dynamic behind the alleged crimes.