The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following statement: Further to our previous statement regarding individuals carrying out fraud operations عبر social media, exploiting the conditions of displaced citizens by publishing fake advertisements for apartment rentals, and as part of the intensive follow-up conducted by the Internal Security Forces to identify those involved in these operations. As a result of extensive investigations and inquiries, the Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Protection Bureau within the Judicial Police Unit succeeded in identifying one of the main suspects involved in these operations, identified as: J. A. (born in 1990, Lebanese) On 16-03-2026, following a precise surveillance and monitoring operation, information was obtained about his whereabouts, and a patrol from the bureau proceeded to arrest him. During interrogation, he confessed to the charges against him, including creating fake accounts on social media applications and publishing false advertisements for apartment rentals. He would lure victims into sending advance payments (deposits) via money transfer companies, then cut off all communication with them after receiving the funds. The necessary legal measures were taken against him, and he was referred to the competent judicial authority based on the decision of the relevant court. Efforts are ongoing to arrest all those involved in these fraudulent networks.

18/3/2026

Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division, the following statement: On 24-2-2026, the decomposed body of an unidentified man was found on the shore of “Rankin” Island – Al-Mina/Tripoli. It was transferred to Batroun Governmental Hospital, and no one has come forward to inquire about him. Description of the body: height approximately 176 cm; wearing a wool shirt colored burgundy and brown with horizontal stripes, and a green undershirt. Therefore, based on the instructions of the competent judiciary, the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces requests that relatives or anyone who knows anything about him contact the Tripoli Judicial Detachment of the Judicial Police Unit at the number: 06-423039, in order to take the necessary legal measures in preparation for handing over the body.

12/3/2026

The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following statement: The Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Bureau of the Judicial Police Unit has recently identified that unknown individuals have been carrying out fraud operations through social media platforms, exploiting the difficult circumstances faced by some citizens, particularly those who have been forced to flee their areas. These schemes involve fraudsters posting advertisements or contacting citizens directly, claiming that they can secure houses or apartments for rent. After luring victims and convincing them that accommodation has been secured, the scammers request advance payments through money transfer companies under the pretext of a “deposit” or “reservation fee.” It later becomes clear that these offers are fake, as the scammers cut off all communication immediately after receiving the money. Therefore, the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces warns citizens against being misled by such suspicious advertisements and urges them not to transfer any money to unknown persons before inspecting the property in person and verifying the identity of the legal owner, in order to avoid falling victim to fraud. They also encourage citizens to report any similar attempt through the “Baligh” service available on the website: https://isf.gov.lb, by downloading the Internal Security Forces mobile application on smartphones, or by contacting the nearest security station.

8/3/2026

Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division: The following statement was released: In light of the exceptional circumstances the country is experiencing, the significant displacement toward the city of Beirut, and in order to keep roads passable, ensure public safety, and secure the movement of the Fire Brigade, ambulances, rescue vehicles, and other emergency services, members of the Internal Security Forces, in cooperation with personnel from the Beirut Municipality, will take the necessary measures to remove all vehicles parked on double lanes and on road sides that obstruct traffic. Accordingly, citizens are kindly requested to: Refrain from parking their cars and vehicles in the following locations: on double lanes, at tunnel entrances, and at bends, roundabouts, and intersections. Comply with the directions and instructions of Internal Security Forces personnel deployed on the roads, as well as with the traffic signs installed for this purpose. Head to the parking areas located in Downtown Beirut – Martyrs’ Square, opposite Al-Amin Mosque, and use them (noting that these parking spaces are free of charge). These measures aim to facilitate traffic flow and ensure that emergency teams can reach locations quickly and safely when needed. We thank citizens for their cooperation and understanding during these sensitive circumstances, as it contributes to ensuring road safety and serving the public interest.

7/3/2026