State Security Busts Kidnapping Gang Smuggling Syrians to Lebanon

The General Directorate of State Security detained in the eastern city of Zahle on Thursday an abduction gang that is specialized in smuggling Syrians into Lebanon.

The gang reportedly smuggles Syrians into Lebanese territories and kidnaps people in exchange for ransom.

The gang's kingpin has been arrested.

Media reports said that the gang is comprised of Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian nationals.

The kidnap-for-ransom phenomenon increased last year and has been strongly criticized by officials from across the political spectrum.

Lebanon had also witnessed a wave of sectarian abductions caused by the war in Syria.

H.K.

G.K.