Lebanese authorities have announced that they foiled an alleged smuggling operation involving around 25 Syrian nationals who were being prepared for transfer by sea.
According to Lebanon’s General Directorate of State Security, its Intelligence and Special Operations Division received information about a group allegedly preparing to transport the Syrian nationals by boat.
Following surveillance and field investigations, Lebanese authorities identified one of the alleged organisers, referred to by the initials M.A.
Suspect allegedly organised route to Europe
The suspect is a Syrian national living in Lebanon who allegedly organised the transfer of people from Syria to Lebanon and then by sea to Cyprus, before they would continue to other European countries in exchange for payment.
He was arrested on August 31 in the Nemrin–Dinniyeh area following instructions from the competent judicial authorities.
His arrest prevented the planned operation before the boat had departed.
Suspect allegedly admits running trafficking network
During questioning, according to Lebanon’s State Security Directorate, the suspect admitted to operating a network involved in the illegal trafficking of people from Syria to Europe, mainly through Cyprus.
Authorities also found that there were outstanding judicial warrants against him.
The suspect was placed in custody and the case was referred to the competent judicial authorities in northern Lebanon.
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