Baghdad, The National Security Service detachments in Maysan Governorate overthrew a network practicing blackmail and threats consisting of (5) defendants, including a woman. The National Security Service stated in a statement: 'The members of the network admitted during the investigation, after being confronted with overwhelming evidence, that they targeted well-known personalities and owners of shops and beauty salon, in order to blackmail and threaten them to obtain money under the name (royalties).' It added: 'The accused were referred to the competent judicial authorities to receive a fair penalty in accordance with the law.' Source: National Iraqi News Agency