More than 15 minors victims of child labor network

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

"1- Within the framework of ongoing efforts by the Internal Security Forces units to combat child labor, exploitation of minors, and forcing them into begging and street vending across various Lebanese regions, a joint patrol from the Beirut Investigation Unit and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Protection of Morals Office arrested two individuals suspected of involvement in forming a child labor network through compelling them to sell flowers in the Nahr area. They are:

– A.H. (born in 2003, Syrian).

– M.A. (born in 2009, Syrian).

As a result of their interrogation by the aforementioned office, it was found that the first detainee heads an organized network for the exploitation and trafficking of minors, exploiting more than fifteen minors, most of whom are of Syrian nationality, employing them to sell flowers in the Nahr and Mar Mikhael areas, with the assistance of the second detainee.

Consequently, a patrol from the office conducted a search of his home in the Dora area and arrested his wife:

– A.Sh. (born in 2004, Syrian).

Upon her interrogation, her involvement in the mentioned activities was confirmed, especially since her two brothers are minors working within the same network, in addition to her and her husband providing care and housing for the second minor detainee (M.A.) in their home in exchange for his work within the said network.

As a result of investigations and inquiries, the office managed to identify one of the guardians of the minors working within the network, named:

M.Sh. (born in 1978, Syrian).

A wanted notice has been circulated against him.

2- On 23-10-2026, another patrol from the aforementioned office arrested an individual suspected of forcing minors to sell tissue bags in Sassine Square – Ashrafieh, named:

-A.H. (born in 1968, Syrian).

Upon interrogation, his involvement in the mentioned activities was confirmed, particularly as he employs his two minor grandchildren in these tasks.

The necessary legal procedures were taken against the detainees, who were referred to the competent authority, based on the instruction of the competent judiciary."