The Lebanese Internal Security Forces have dismantled two organized networks involved in human trafficking and prostitution in Beirut, particularly in the Hamra area, arresting several individuals, including women of various nationalities.
According to the General Directorate of the Internal Security Forces, on July 30, 2026, the Human Trafficking and Morals Protection Office in the Judicial Police Unit received information about the activities of these networks.
Investigations revealed that the first network communicated with clients via WhatsApp, sending pictures of women working within the network. Clients would select one and book a hotel room in the capital, where the woman would be sent to them for a monetary fee for prostitution services.
Following surveillance and monitoring, office patrols apprehended three women in the act at a hotel and arrested a woman identified as (A.H.), who confessed to managing the network, along with four Syrian women and a Palestinian man working as a driver.
Simultaneously, the patrols raided a second network operating under the "Escort" system in the same hotel, arresting four Russian women and a Brazilian woman caught in the act, with sums of money earned from prostitution found in their possession.
During the investigation, the detainees confessed to working within an organized network managed by two individuals known as “Mila” and “Max” located outside Lebanon. Four search and investigation notices were issued for them and other suspects at large.
(A.H.) also admitted to managing a network involving eight women and working for a larger network led by a person known as "Abu Ali." The detained Syrian women confirmed engaging in prostitution facilitated by her and managed by the aforementioned person, leading to search and investigation notices for other involved individuals.
The hotel owner and an employee were also arrested after evidence surfaced of their involvement in facilitating prostitution, and one of the detainees was found involved in the illegal arms trade.
The hotel was sealed with red wax, and the necessary legal measures were taken against the detainees upon the directive of the competent judiciary, while efforts continue to arrest the remaining suspects.