Arrest of the Ringleader of a Robbery Gang in an Ambush

The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces - Public Relations Division issued the following statement: "As part of the daily follow-up conducted by the internal security forces to combat crimes, particularly robbery operations in various Lebanese regions, the Information Branch was able to identify a gang whose members were carrying out robbery operations targeting individuals in the Sabra area, using sharp tools. Consequently, the specialized units of the branch initiated field and investigative procedures to identify and arrest the gang members. As a result of intensive investigations and inquiries, the branch was able to identify their identities, including the ringleader of the gang, named R.A. (born in 2002, Lebanese). On 26-4-2024, after careful surveillance, one of the branch patrols spotted him in Sabra, where he was apprehended in a well-planned ambush, and a war knife was seized from him, which he used in the robbery operations. During the investigation, he confessed to the charges against him regarding leading a robbery gang, stating that he and his gang members had carried out hundreds of robbery and theft operations, and that they have been active in this field for about a year. He also admitted to drug use. The necessary legal action was taken against him, and he, along with the seized items, was referred to the competent judiciary, based on his indication, and efforts are ongoing to arrest the remaining gang members."