American Consulate Employee in Beirut Sold Passport to Syrian, Caught by Security

The security management in Istanbul announced that an American citizen was arrested in Turkey on suspicion of selling his passport to a Syrian citizen for use in traveling to Germany. A statement regarding the matter said: "During passport checks at Istanbul Airport on November 11, it was confirmed that the Syrian citizen R. S. attempted to travel to Germany by presenting another person's passport. The investigation revealed that the passport belonged to an employee at the American consulate in Beirut, identified as the American citizen D. J. K." Surveillance cameras captured the two men meeting at Istanbul Airport and exchanging their clothes. Afterward, one of the American diplomatic mission employees handed over his passport to the Syrian in exchange for $10,000, and an envelope with money was found during the search. Both suspects were arrested. Later, the American citizen was detained by the court, while the Syrian was released on a promise not to leave.