The Internal Security Forces have arrested the mastermind of a gang responsible for numerous motorcycle thefts and armed robberies in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
The suspect, identified as H. J., a Lebanese citizen born in 1997, has a criminal record that includes robbery, theft, gunfire, and unlawful detention, according to a statement by the General Directorate of Internal Security Forces – Public Relations Division.
He is also wanted under an arrest warrant for theft and is subject to a search and investigation notice for purchasing stolen goods.
As part of the ongoing efforts by the Internal Security Forces to reduce motorcycle thefts across various Lebanese regions, the Information Division located the mastermind in the Ouzai area through field and intelligence monitoring.
He was spotted riding a white motorcycle without license plates. During the arrest attempt, H. J. did not comply with the patrol’s orders and attempted to flee, but officers successfully apprehended him.
Upon searching the suspect and the motorcycle, authorities found a mobile phone and a sum of money amounting to $13,460 and 1,100,000 Lebanese pounds.
His motorcycle, along with two stolen motorcycles hidden near his home in the Sabra refugee camp, was also confiscated.
During interrogation, H. J. confessed to forming and leading a gang that carried out multiple motorcycle thefts, armed robberies, arms trafficking, and drug dealing in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
He also admitted that the motorcycles confiscated by authorities were all stolen.
Additionally, he confessed to purchasing stolen motorcycles for amounts ranging between $100 and $150 and selling them for amounts between $350 and $400. The statement indicated that legal proceedings were initiated against him, and he, along with the confiscated items, was handed over to the relevant authorities under the instructions of the competent judiciary.
The investigation is ongoing to apprehend other individuals involved in the criminal activities.
Notably, videos of the gang members’ activities had circulated on social media, and one of the gang members had already been arrested by the division prior to H. J.’s capture.
