Arrest of the Mastermind Behind Human Smuggling Operations via Sea

The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following statement: "As part of the daily monitoring carried out by the specialized units of the Internal Security Forces to combat illegal immigration operations and pursue those involved in them, and as a result of field and intelligence follow-up, the Information Branch managed to identify the identity and residence of the mastermind behind human smuggling operations via sea, from Tripoli to several European countries, named: A. R. J. (born in 1966, Syrian). On February 16, 2024, after precise surveillance, one of the branch's patrols was able to raid his residence in the city of Tyre and arrested him. During the investigation, he confessed to the allegations against him regarding his involvement, along with others, in facilitating the illegal travel of Syrian individuals by sea from Tripoli to European countries, in exchange for financial amounts. The legal measures were taken against him, and he was referred to the relevant authority, based on the instructions of the competent judiciary, and work is ongoing to arrest the remaining suspects."