The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces - Public Relations Division announced in a statement that "recently, several armed robbery incidents targeting citizens occurred, carried out by an armed gang impersonating security personnel in various areas of Beirut and Mount Lebanon. In response, the specialized units of the Internal Security Forces intensified their measures in the locations of these incidents. The Information Branch determined that the perpetrators used a four-wheel drive vehicle type "Toyota FJ Cruiser," silver in color, without plates. Following monitoring, inquiries, and investigations, this branch was able to identify the gang members, including: R.N.J. (born in 1999, Lebanese), the mastermind of the gang, and Z.S. (born in 1992, Syrian).
The statement noted that on the 13th and 14th of November 2023, after a careful follow-up, the special forces of the Information Branch managed to locate the first individual in the Safir area, in the same four-wheel drive vehicle used for the robbery operations. The forces executed a tight ambush in the area which led to his arrest and the seizure of his firearm. A search of the vehicle uncovered an empty envelope, a sum of money, and foreign plates. The second individual was arrested in the Bab al-Tabbaneh area with counterfeit money, drugs, and a stolen phone in his possession.
During the investigation, both confessed to their involvement in carrying out dozens of armed robberies alongside a third person - efforts are ongoing to apprehend him - while impersonating security personnel in various areas of Beirut and Mount Lebanon: Corniche El-Nahr, Manara, Dora, Mkalles, Antelias, Dbayeh, Nahr Ibrahim, Jounieh, Byblos, and others. The second individual also admitted to drug use and possessing the counterfeit money from the Beddawi camp with the intention of circulating it. Legal measures were taken against both, and they were remanded to the competent authority along with the seized items.
Therefore, based on the instructions of the competent judiciary, the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces disseminated their photos and requested that anyone who fell victim to their acts contact the Information Branch in Mount Lebanon at the number 01-513732, in order to take the necessary legal actions."
