• en
  • Login
    • Lebanese ISF Logo

    المديرية العامة لقوى الأمن الداخلي

    خدمة.ثقة.شراكة

    The National Conference on “Combating Transnational Organized Crime in Light of Current Challenges: Between Reality and Respect for Human Rights,” under the patronage of the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah.

    11/12/2025

    Within the framework of cooperation between the Internal Security Forces and civil society institutions, and on the occasion of “International Human Rights Day,” a national conference was held on the morning of December 10, 2025, at the Mövenpick Hotel – Raouche, under the patronage of the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah, on the topic of “Combating Transnational Organized Crime in Light of Current Challenges: Between Reality and Respect for Human Rights.” It was organized by the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Lebanon and the “Justice Without Borders” organization, in the presence of the Head of the International Liaison Division, Brigadier General Rony Bitar, representing the patron of the conference – the Head of the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Beirut, Major General Raed Abdullah, and with the participation of the Vice President of the Interpol Files Oversight Committee, Colonel Dr. Mohammad Qamra, Brigitte Chalbian, director of the “Justice Without Borders” organization, Major General Ibrahim Basbous, former Director General of the Internal Security Forces, a representative of the Directorate of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights in the Lebanese Army, representatives of the Minister of Defense and the General Directorate of General Security, lawyers, judges, representatives of military and security institutions, international and civil society organizations, embassies, and unions. The conference opened with the national anthem, followed by a welcome address from journalist Joseph Ibrahim. Attorney Chalbian’s speech: “Our gathering on International Human Rights Day is a highly significant occasion, reminding us that rights are not preserved by slogans or protected by intentions, but rather through an integrated legal, security, judicial, and institutional system capable of safeguarding human beings, protecting their dignity, and confronting all forms of crime and violations that threaten their security and stability.” She added: “In this context, the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime, also known as the Palermo Convention (2000), stands out as the primary international legal framework dedicated to combating crimes that transcend national borders. The Convention has established uniform rules for international judicial and security cooperation and obligates States Parties to adopt effective legislative and regulatory measures, most notably criminalizing participation in organized criminal groups, combating money laundering, protecting witnesses and victims, and strengthening mechanisms for international cooperation and border control. The Convention is linked to three binding protocols that specifically address the prevention, suppression, and punishment of trafficking in persons, particularly women and children; combating migrant smuggling; and combating the illicit manufacture and trafficking of firearms. Lebanon’s accession to this Convention affirms its international commitment to combating organized crime and its keenness to develop its national capacities and enhance its cooperation with states and international bodies in the areas of combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling, cybercrime, and other transnational criminal activities.” In her address, she emphasized that human trafficking is one of the most dangerous forms of organized crime, given its direct and grave violation of human freedom and individual dignity, particularly for women and children who are most vulnerable to sexual exploitation and forced labor. Combating this crime requires a comprehensive approach that begins with prevention, awareness, and early detection, includes protecting victims and witnesses, and culminates in strict accountability and an end to impunity. We are witnessing a rapid expansion in cybercrimes, which have become a key tool of organized crime. They are used for information manipulation, extortion, child sexual exploitation, recruitment, and even trafficking. Lebanon has adopted its National Cybersecurity Strategy to enhance its prevention, monitoring, and response capabilities. This is a crucial step that must be accompanied by societal awareness, professional capacity building, and the development of policies that ensure a cohesive digital protection system. With the rise of human trafficking, cybercrime, and organized crime, the urgent need arises to adopt preventative approaches based on raising awareness, developing protection mechanisms, and establishing a clear and effective legal environment that guarantees access to justice, ensures accountability, and prevents any space for perpetrators to escape punishment. This is a national responsibility shared by the state and its institutions, civil society, and local and international partners, ensuring the protection of citizens and strengthening societal resilience. The integration of state efforts with civil society provides a more cohesive protection network, enhances national capacity for prevention and rapid intervention, and contributes to building a more resilient society capable of addressing various forms of crime and violations. At the core of its mission, the Justice Without Borders organization embodies the support of state and societal institutions by promoting the right to access justice and empowering individuals, particularly women and children, to benefit from an effective protection system. Its work focuses on gender-based violence, human trafficking, sexual offenses, cybercrimes, personal status issues, and cases of unregistered births. This is achieved through contributing to the development of a protective legal environment, early detection of violations, and supporting victims through various stages of litigation. The organization adopts a comprehensive approach based on direct engagement with the most vulnerable groups, providing legal advice, raising awareness of their rights, disseminating legal culture, and building the capacity of civil society organizations to enhance their preparedness for prevention and protection, and promoting a culture of access to justice. Furthermore, it plays an institutional role in developing public policies and strengthening cooperation with ministries, the judiciary, security agencies, and local and international organizations. This ensures an integrated referral system and partnerships that contribute to enhanced protection and ending impunity. It is hoped that this meeting, convened by Adl Bila Hudud (Justice Without Borders) under the auspices of the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces, will serve as a model for the desired integrated vision between official institutions and civil society, and for a path based on capacity building and unified efforts towards a more just and secure society. It also marks the beginning of sustainable cooperation with the International Liaison Division and the National Central Bureau of Interpol in Beirut.

    Within its framework, specialized training and meetings will be conducted for judges, lawyers, and civil society organizations on organized crime, human trafficking, cybercrime, and the promotion of international cooperation. The conference is intended to be an additional step towards building an integrated protection system that enhances national security, safeguards rights, and ensures the establishment of an effective mechanism to protect victims, witnesses, and international partners. It puts an end to impunity and fosters constructive cooperation between the state and civil society.” Brigadier General Bitar’s speech: I am honored that His Excellency the Director General of the Internal Security Forces has asked me to represent him at this important national conference, which sheds light on an issue at the heart of security, policing, judicial, human rights, and humanitarian concerns. Addressing the challenges accompanying the evolution of organized crime, the complexities of the circumstances under which it is committed, and the growing capabilities of criminal organizations necessitates strengthening communication, cooperation, coordination, and integration among the various stakeholders. This aims to mobilize resources, build bridges of trust, and activate awareness and empowerment for a safer society. Our presence here today is evidence of the collective will of the civil, humanitarian, academic, security, military, and judicial sectors, as well as human rights organizations, to support efforts aimed at advancing institutional networking to reduce the consequences and effects of organized crime on our societies. Undoubtedly, balancing effective efforts to combat organized crime and terrorism with respect for human rights is at the heart of the priorities of the Internal Security Forces. No effort is spared in promoting and implementing this culture in word and deed. The organization strives to provide the necessary resources, mobilize energies, and train the required personnel to achieve this, despite limited capabilities and complex security circumstances. It is a pleasure to see the INTERPOL National Central Bureau in Beirut, headed by the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General [Name], partner with the Justice Without Borders organization in making this event a success. It is worth noting that the Central Bureau serves as the central and exclusive link between INTERPOL and all law enforcement agencies, institutions, administrations, and the judiciary at the national level. It plays a pivotal role in strengthening international police cooperation with all National Central Bureaus in member states and with the INTERPOL General Secretariat. It works diligently to enhance data exchange, develop avenues for police coordination, and contribute to mitigating the effects of organized crime and its consequences, in accordance with nationally established rules and procedures and those in force within INTERPOL. Discussion Panel: A panel discussion followed, moderated by Ms. Shalbian, in which the Vice-Chairman of the INTERPOL Files Oversight Committee, Colonel Dr. [Name], spoke. Qamra, the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, Judge Mirna Kallas, the Information and Communications Technology, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence Advisor at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Dr. Lina Oueidat, and the Professor of International Criminal Law at the Lebanese University, Professor Jinan Khoury Fakhry.

    Other Articles

    Back to page
    1 0
    A Financial Dispute Leads to a Murder in the Qasqas Area; Information Branch Uncovers the Circumstances of the Crime and Arrests One Suspect

    Issued by the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: On 7-10-2026, in the Qasqas area of Beirut, a masked individual opened fire on T. A. S. (born in 1978, Palestinian), striking him in the head and killing him. The shooter then fled with another individual on a motorcycle to an unknown destination. Immediately, the relevant units of the Internal Security Forces launched field and intelligence operations to uncover the circumstances of the crime and arrest those involved. As a result of intensive inquiries and investigations, the Information Branch identified both suspects, including the killer, who is identified as: A. K. D. (born in 2007, Syrian). Orders were issued to locate and arrest him in coordination with the judiciary. On 16-10-2026, following careful surveillance and monitoring, a patrol from the Branch arrested him in the Sabra area. During questioning, he confessed to the crime, admitting that he had shot the victim in the head due to a financial dispute between them. Investigations revealed that the perpetrator had borrowed money from the victim and failed to repay it. This prompted the victim to make threats against the perpetrator’s mother and fiancée. Consequently, the perpetrator planned to meet the victim under the pretext of repaying the borrowed money. He enlisted the help of another individual, who is still being sought, and travelled with him to the Sabra area to purchase face masks to conceal their identities. They then proceeded to meet the victim in the Qasqas area, where the crime was committed. The necessary legal measures were taken against the arrested individual, who was referred to the competent authority pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authority. Efforts are ongoing to arrest his accomplice.

    23/10/2026

    1 0
    Dahr El-Baidar Checkpoint Officers Arrest Two Individuals Involved in the Kidnapping of a Citizen in Maameltein

    Issued by the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the daily efforts undertaken by Internal Security Forces units to combat all types of crime throughout Lebanon and pursue and arrest those involved, and based on information received by the Operations Room of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit concerning two individuals involved in a kidnapping in the Maameltein area, personnel at the Dahr El-Baidar checkpoint arrested them on 28-09-2026 as they were passing through the checkpoint. They are: A. F. (born in 1994, Lebanese). W. F. (born in 1978, Lebanese). Investigations revealed that the two detainees, acting in concert with others, had carried out the kidnapping at the request of an individual, against the background of financial problems and disputes between him and the victim. They lured the victim, believing that he was carrying a sum of money. When he attempted to flee, shots were fired, and they kidnapped him and took him to an unknown location. After discovering that the victim had no money, they released him. A search of the two detainees and their vehicle resulted in the seizure of the following items: three firearms; vests and T-shirts bearing the emblem of a security institution, along with two emblems of the same institution; a mask and gloves; various maps and excavation tools; 109 copper pieces shaped like gold coins; 950 gold-colored tin pieces; four gold-colored statuettes; six old gold-colored pieces; and four gold-colored bars. The two detainees and the seized items were handed over to the relevant unit for further investigation and the necessary legal measures, pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authority. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining individuals involved.

    23/10/2026

    3 0
    Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Academic Cooperation between the Internal Security Forces and Al Madina University

    On 21-10-2026, the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Raed Abdullah, received MP Faisal Karami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of City University, at his office at the General Headquarters Barracks. MP Karami was accompanied by a delegation of the university’s academic and administrative staff, comprising University President Dr. Walid Dagher and Messrs. Dr. Youssef Chahine, Othman Majzoub, Alaa Jleilaty, and Yasser Abbouchi. During the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding on academic cooperation was signed between the two parties. MP Karami expressed the university’s willingness to provide special scholarships of up to 50% for active-duty Internal Security Forces personnel, their families, and the families of retired personnel during the current academic year. The scholarship rate is set to increase starting from the next academic year. The university will also allocate a number of free places for postgraduate studies to ISF personnel. The signing ceremony was attended by Chief of Staff Brigadier General Dr. Alfred Hanna; Commander of the Internal Security Forces Institute, Brigadier General Ahmad Abla; Head of the Public Relations Division, Brigadier General Joseph Messallem; Head of the Planning and Organization Division, Brigadier General Maroun El Khoury; Head of the Training Division, Brigadier General Trodie El Kadi; Head of the Administrative Affairs Division, Brigadier General Fadi El Hajj; and Captain Maroun El Kahwaji, an officer of the Planning and Organization Division. This initiative comes within the framework of efforts to strengthen integration between security institutions, on the one hand, and academic institutions, on the other, while promoting the concept of knowledge-based security. It is expected to contribute positively to improving security performance and enhancing stability within Lebanese society.

    22/10/2026

    1 0
    The Information Branch arrests a drug dealer in Akkar and seizes more than 6,500 Captagon pills.

    Issued by the Directorate General of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the daily efforts undertaken by Internal Security Forces units to curb drug trafficking and distribution across various Lebanese regions, the Information Branch received information that an individual was distributing drugs in several areas of Akkar Governorate. The specialized units of the Branch immediately launched field and intelligence operations to identify and arrest the suspect. As a result of inquiries and investigations, the Information Branch identified him as: K. A. (born in 1998, Syrian national). On 12-10-2026, a patrol from the Branch arrested him in the town of Tallil – Akkar, and seized the following items in his possession: 6,533 Captagon pills. 72 g of cannabis resin (hashish). 9 g of salvia. A precision scale and a sum of money. During questioning, he confessed to the charges attributed to him. The necessary legal measures were taken against him, and he was handed over, along with the seized items, to the competent authority, pursuant to the instructions of the competent judicial authority.

    22/10/2026