The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces - Public Relations Division has previously warned of kidnapping operations targeting Syrian individuals residing in Lebanon by gangs that lure them outside Lebanese borders to avoid detection and arrest through fake accounts on social media, especially on the application (TikTok). Victims are misled into believing that they can secure travel from Lebanon to European countries either through illegal smuggling methods or by obtaining travel visas to foreign countries in exchange for payment.
Victims are kidnapped upon their arrival in border areas and then transported outside Lebanese borders, where they are detained in rooms within Syrian territory near the border. There, they are subjected to brutal torture, and the torture is filmed, with pictures and videos sent to the family of the kidnapped person to pressure them into hastening the payment of a ransom for their release.
The Internal Security Forces have previously arrested individuals from networks and gangs executing such operations on various dates. However, despite the warning and awareness statements issued by this General Directorate, these cases have resurfaced recently.
Therefore, based on the above, this General Directorate again warns Lebanese citizens and individuals residing in Lebanese territory against falling victim to these gangs, advising them not to be lured by unreliable accounts and false advertisements that could endanger their lives. It urges them to report such cases to the nearest Internal Security Forces station or by calling emergency number 112.
