Iraqi police official arrested over fake bomb detectors

"Iraqi authorities have arrested a high-ranking police official in connection with the purchase of a British-made bomb detector that the British government says does not work, officials said Thursday. Iraq spent about $122 million on the devices, which are widely used by police and soldiers at security checkpoints and were meant to be a key defense against insurgents. Hundreds of people have been killed in bombings in recent years after militants were able to get trucks, buses and cars packed with explosives through Baghdad’s numerous checkpoints. The government began investigations after reports that the ADE 651 bomb detection devices purchased from a British-based company were practically useless. Maj. Gen. Jihad al-Jabiri, the commander of the bomb squad, was arrested five days ago, officials said."