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He Sold Counterfeit Gold While Claiming It Was Genuine, and the Information Branch Arrested Him Despite His Resistance. Have You Been One of His Victims?

11/8/2026

The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following statement:

As part of the Internal Security Forces’ ongoing efforts to combat all forms of crime throughout Lebanon, the Information Branch received information indicating that several individuals in various areas of Mount Lebanon Governorate had fallen victim to fraudulent theft schemes carried out by unidentified suspects. The victims were deceived into purchasing gold coins at attractive prices, only to discover, after the perpetrators had fled, that the coins were counterfeit.

Following extensive investigations, Information Branch officers obtained information that the alleged ringleader and principal perpetrator was preparing to carry out another fraud operation in Bhamdoun. On 16 July 2026, he was arrested after resisting the patrol, which was compelled to use force to apprehend him. He was identified as:

A. H. J. (born in 2005, Syrian national).

A search of the suspect resulted in the seizure of:

One pepper spray canister.

185 counterfeit coins made to resemble gold sovereigns.

During interrogation, he admitted carrying out three fraudulent operations involving the sale of counterfeit gold in Bhamdoun. He stated that another individual based in Syria contacted potential victims and offered to sell them gold coins at an attractive price, claiming they could not be sold in Syria for fabricated reasons.

According to his confession, the victims were first shown a genuine gold coin, which they were able to verify at jewelry stores. During a second meeting, however, they were handed the remaining counterfeit coins.

He further admitted that he generally introduced himself to victims under the name “Ibrahim”, in addition to using other false identities. He also stated that the same gang had carried out numerous similar frauds in Mansourieh, and that several accomplices had assisted him. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining members of the network.

The suspect also admitted that he had entered Lebanon illegally.

The necessary legal measures were taken against him, and the counterfeit coins were seized. Investigations continue to arrest the remaining gang members.

Upon the instructions of the competent judicial authority, the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces is circulating the suspect’s photograph and requests anyone who has fallen victim to his fraudulent acts to report to the Mount Lebanon Information Branch or call 01-513732 to assist with the legal proceedings.

The following telephone numbers were used to contact victims:

81/092188

+963 991 404 997

+90 535 743 0873

+963 944 930 368

81/564255

+90 535 942 2775

+963 954 639 443

Warning:
The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces urges citizens not to purchase gold from unknown or untrusted individuals. Gold should only be purchased from licensed and accredited jewelry stores that issue official stamped invoices, in order to safeguard buyers’ rights and prevent fraud.

Citizens are also warned against responding to fake advertisements and online pages offering gold at unusually attractive prices, as such offers are intended solely to facilitate fraudulent schemes.

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