The General Directorate of Internal Security Forces - Public Relations Division announced that, within the framework of the ongoing efforts by internal security forces to combat various types of crimes, on 21-8-2023, information was received by the North Inquiry Division of the Regional Gendarmerie Unit regarding a gang active in stealing motorcycles and “tuk-tuks” in several areas in the North, particularly in Batroun. A "tuk-tuk" was stolen from the mentioned town on 8-8-2023.
Subsequently, following intensive investigations and inquiries, the officers succeeded in locating the stolen vehicle inside the al-Badawi camp. On 21-8-2023, after careful surveillance, the division's officers lured two individuals involved in the theft and the purchase of the stolen item and were able to arrest them while they were on the stolen "tuk-tuk" in Jabal Mohsen. The arrested individuals were: S.J. (born in 1984, Palestinian-Syrian) and F.Y. (born in 1976, Palestinian-Syrian).
Upon interrogation, they confessed to buying the "tuk-tuk" for /800/ US dollars, fully aware that it was stolen and that they had altered its external appearance. The first individual claimed he was working with the gang in terms of purchasing stolen goods from them and selling them within the al-Badawi camp.
Furthermore, on 24-8-2023, monitoring and tracking operations led to the arrest of another gang member named M.A.H. (born in 1993, Palestinian). He was found in possession of a Lebanese residence document that he had stolen from the Ayoune el-Semek area. He admitted to participating with others in stealing the "tuk-tuk" from Batroun and also confessed to committing thefts of motorcycles, “tuk-tuks,” and older model “Mercedes” cars from several areas within the northern governorate.
It was also found that F.Y. and M.A.H. were wanted by the judiciary based on sentencing summaries. The "tuk-tuk" was handed over to the Batroun police station for legal proceedings, and the arrested individuals were referred to the relevant judiciary authority, with efforts ongoing to apprehend the remaining gang members.
