Arrest of a Car Theft Gang and Return of 18 Vehicles to Their Owners

The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division issued the following statement: "As part of the daily efforts by the Internal Security Forces to combat car theft operations in various Lebanese regions, and following extensive and continuous investigations, the International Theft Crimes Bureau identified the members of a gang responsible for more than 50 car thefts of various types intended for sale or transfer to hotspots for dismantling. On July 4, 2023, supported by a unit from the judicial police special group, the bureau's personnel managed to track down the mastermind of the gang and arrest him along with his accomplice, namely: H.D. (born in 1993, Lebanese) and H.H. (born in 1980, Lebanese). Additionally, 16 stolen vehicles, a military-grade pistol, and tools used in vehicle theft were seized. Following surveillance and pursuit operations, the bureau's personnel arrested W.B. (born in 1982, Lebanese) in the area of Rweisat Soufar (a gang member) and A.B. (born in 1992, Lebanese) for purchasing stolen vehicles from H.D., who was found in possession of two stolen vehicles. The recovered vehicles were returned to their owners, and legal action was initiated against the detainees based on the directives of the competent judiciary. Efforts continue to arrest the remaining members of the gang. This significant operation by the International Theft Crimes Bureau resulted in the arrest of a car theft gang and the return of 18 stolen vehicles to their owners."