A Syrian official in the General Administration for Combating Human Trafficking revealed that red notices have been issued via Interpol to apprehend Syrians residing in Lebanon who are collaborating with Lebanese networks involved in prostitution. These individuals are reportedly luring young women from inside Syria to work in the sex trade, as well as trafficking Syrians to various countries for sexual exploitation after marrying them.
Details provided by Brigadier Kifah Al-Naddaf, head of the investigation department in the Syrian anti-human trafficking administration, to Sputnik revealed, "Red notices were issued via Interpol for Syrian individuals residing in Lebanon coordinating with Lebanese networks prepared for prostitution and human trafficking. Their activities involve attracting Syrian girls from within Syria to Lebanon under the pretense of securing high-paying jobs, only to subsequently confiscate all of their personal documents, subject them to various forms of coercion, and then force them into prostitution."
Brigadier Al-Naddaf added, "A new criminal method used by human trafficking gangs for sexual exploitation has been discovered, involving marrying the victim and sending them to trafficking networks outside the country, where they are sexually exploited for a monthly payment made to the husband. Consequently, Interpol issued a purple notice regarding these offenses detected by the relevant authorities in Syria, distributing it to all countries."
In this context, Brigadier Al-Naddaf explained, "Human trafficking crimes are starting to take on new forms and methods, underscoring the necessity to examine the gaps that surfaced during the application of the anti-trafficking law throughout the years of war. Indeed, some of its articles have been reconsidered to prepare legislative amendments while considering relevant international agreements and standards."
The head of the investigation department in the anti-human trafficking administration noted that among the articles reviewed by a specialized technical committee are those related to the illegal organ or tissue removal, contrary to regulations governing organ transplantation. This is currently being prepared for legal action to be issued.
Regarding new proposals for the law, Brigadier Al-Naddaf stated, "Fines will be increased from 7 to 10 million Syrian pounds, and penalties will also be imposed on legal entities managing establishments or nightclubs that exploit women and children in prostitution. The new law will also address organized begging, human smuggling, and the recruitment of children for combat as a form of human trafficking."
