State Security Arrests Syrian in Jounieh for Online Fraud and Scam

The General Directorate of State Security – Media, Guidance and Public Relations Department issued the following statement:

"In the framework of its ongoing efforts to combat cybercrimes and pursue those involved in fraud and scams, a patrol from the Mount Lebanon Regional Directorate – Keserwan Office, arrested (M.M.), a Syrian national, in the area of Jounieh, after suspecting him and his refusal to present identification documents.

As a result of the investigation, it was found that the detainee had created a page on social media platforms under the name Loans Lebanon, using a fake identity, to communicate with people of various nationalities, including Lebanese, Syrian, Moroccan, and Iraqi, misleading them about his ability to secure financial assistance for them.

Investigations revealed that he would ask men for $200 USD to fill out a file to obtain the alleged aid, while initially transferring small amounts of money to women before attempting to lure them into sending sexually explicit images, with the aim of later transferring additional sums to them and using these images to blackmail them financially, as proven by conversations and images seized from his phone.

After reviewing with the Appellate Public Prosecution, represented by Judge Bilal Badr, he was detained on charges of fraud and swindling, while necessary legal procedures continue under the supervision of the competent judiciary."