Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations DivisionThe following statement: On 23-03-2026, a lawyer filed a complaint stating that M.Sh. (born in 1996, Syrian national) had been kidnapped by unknown individuals in the Jdeideh area while he was inside a rented Range Rover SUV. Following a field inspection conducted by the Information Branch in the area, two spent shell casings were found—one from a Kalashnikov rifle and another from a military-grade handgun—along with a large bloodstain, which led investigators to suspect that a murder had occurred. Through further follow-up, the rented vehicle was located, and upon searching it, a mobile phone was found inside. The competent units of the branch immediately initiated field and intelligence procedures to uncover the circumstances of the incident. As a result of intensive investigations, the identity of one suspect was established: M.M. (born in 1991, Lebanese) On 28-03-2026, following a precise surveillance operation, a patrol from the Information Branch arrested him in the Zaarour area. A search of his residence led to the seizure of a large quantity of narcotics and military weapons. During interrogation, he confessed to drug trafficking and admitted knowing M.Sh., stating that a dispute had occurred between them at dawn on 23-03-2026 near his residence over drug-related matters. He further stated that the victim pursued him into the building’s parking area accompanied by two individuals in an “FJ” SUV, where the victim pointed a handgun at him and fired without hitting him. The suspect then fired back using a Kalashnikov rifle in his possession, striking M.Sh. and causing him to fall to the ground, while his companions fled. He added that he attempted to assist him, but realized he had died. He then placed the body in his vehicle and transported it to the town of Kfar Aaqab, where he burned it in an attempt to conceal the crime. A site inspection was conducted at the location in Kfar Aaqab where the body was burned, and samples were collected for laboratory analysis. A further search of the suspect’s residence in the same town resulted in the seizure of additional quantities of narcotics. Legal measures were taken against the suspect, and he was referred, along with the seized items, to the competent authority based on the instructions of the relevant judiciary. Efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects involved

23/4/2026

Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations DivisionThe following statement: The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces renews its warning to citizens regarding the increasing attempts of online fraud via the WhatsApp application. Recently, it has been observed that unknown individuals are exploiting WhatsApp accounts belonging to known persons (friends or relatives) after hacking them, and contacting their contacts by sending fake invitation links to join groups (WhatsApp groups), under the pretext that they include mutual friends. It has also been found that these links lead to fraudulent pages that request the user to enter or share a verification code (OTP) received via SMS, enabling the fraudster to register the phone number on their device and gain full control over the victim’s WhatsApp account. After taking control of the account, the fraudster uses it to contact the victim’s contacts in the same manner and may also request sums of money via applications or money transfer services available in Lebanon, impersonating the account owner under various pretexts. First: The Directorate requests citizens to adhere to the following: Do not click on any group invitation link from an untrusted source, even if it appears to come from a friend or relative, without verifying directly with them. Do not share the verification code (OTP) with any person or entity under any circumstances. Verify any financial request by contacting the account owner directly. Activate the Two-Step Verification feature on WhatsApp. Second: How to activate Two-Step Verification on WhatsApp: Open the WhatsApp application Go to “Settings” Select “Account” Tap on “Two-Step Verification” Select “Enable” Create a 6-digit PIN and keep it secure It is recommended to add an email address (optional) Press “Save / Done” After enabling this feature, a fraudster will not be able to access the account even if they obtain the verification code, without also knowing the PIN.

23/4/2026

Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations DivisionThe following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts by the Internal Security Forces to track down and arrest individuals involved in drug-related crimes, and within the framework of the security plan established by the Judicial Police to combat this phenomenon, elements of the Chhim Police Station in the Regional Gendarmerie Unit had previously arrested the citizen M.A. (born in 1997) for drug use and causing disturbances while in a state of apparent intoxication. Following an expanded investigation conducted by the Central Anti-Narcotics Office, including analysis of his mobile phones and incoming and outgoing calls, it was revealed that he is the mastermind behind a transnational criminal network operating in drug trafficking and distribution within the State of Kuwait. He uses the alias “Al-Shaytan” (“The Devil”) to manage the network from within Lebanese territory via electronic applications, with the assistance of several dealers of different nationalities residing in Kuwait. All members of the network were identified, and the following individuals were arrested: M.S. (born in 1998, Lebanese), nicknamed “Panda” H.Sh. (born in 1996, Lebanese) Through surveillance and follow-up operations, and in coordination with the Chhim Police Station, the following was also arrested: H.A. (born in 1999, Lebanese), who was responsible for receiving some of the financial transfers resulting from drug trafficking. It was also established that this network supplied approximately 200 users inside Kuwait. As a result of intelligence cooperation with the Criminal Security Office at the Embassy of Kuwait in Lebanon, investigations conducted by the Central Anti-Narcotics Office revealed the existence of another transnational network operating in the same manner, headed by an individual known as “Abu Hussein.” Through investigations and inquiries, his identity was determined as: T.B. (born in 1998, Palestinian) His location and the vehicle he used were also identified. Following surveillance operations, he was arrested on 05-02-2026 in the Khaldeh area by a force from the Special Group of the Judicial Police Unit. A military handgun and mobile phones used to manage his network were seized in his possession. It was found that he leads a network supplying drugs to approximately 1,500 clients in Kuwait, managed from Lebanon in coordination with accomplices in Kuwait. Also arrested was: H.J. (born in 1998, Lebanese), one of his associates. Coordination is ongoing with the Kuwaiti authorities to arrest all those involved, in accordance with the instructions of the competent judiciary.

23/4/2026

Issued by the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division The following statement: As part of the ongoing efforts undertaken by the Internal Security Forces to combat crime and apprehend offenders, the Mount Lebanon Investigation Unit of the Regional Gendarmerie arrested: M.D. (born in 1977, Lebanese) for the offense of harassing a minor girl. It was also established that he works as a caretaker at a public school. He has been handed over to the competent unit for the necessary legal proceedings to be taken against him, based on the instructions of the relevant judicial authority. Notice:The General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces emphasizes that protecting children is a shared responsibility between families, society, and security institutions. Early reporting of any suspicious situation is a fundamental pillar in preventing crimes before they occur. Parents are urged to strengthen communication with their children, closely monitor them, encourage them to report any concerning behavior, and not hesitate to immediately contact the competent authorities when needed, in order to ensure the safety of minors and protect society from any form of exploitation or abuse.

22/4/2026