The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces in Lebanon - Public Relations Division issued the following statement: "A complaint was received by the Public Relations Division through its social media channels from a woman who was blackmailed for money and threatened with the publication of her photographs without a hijab, by an unknown person who contacted her and informed her that he managed to hack her mobile phone and steal her photos.
As a result of the investigation conducted by the Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Protection Bureau within the Judicial Police, it was determined that the caller was outside Lebanese territory. Through ongoing investigation, bureau members were able to ascertain how the photos reached the blackmailer. It was found that her colleague at work had obtained the password to access her mobile device, stole the photos, and sent them to his compatriot, asking him to contact her and blackmail her for $500.
He was arrested for blackmail and for entering the country illegally, and he was referred to the competent judiciary based on their indication. A search and investigation notice was issued against his accomplice. Therefore, the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces advises citizens not to take photos or videos of themselves inappropriately under any circumstances or pressures that may be exerted on them, so as not to become victims and be exploited by others, and to not hesitate to report such cases immediately."
