Lebanon stops boat carrying Syrian migrants bound for Cyprus
Lebanese authorities stopped a boat carrying about 25 Syrian migrants bound for Cyprus and arrested a suspected organiser.
Beirut, Lebanon. Lebanese authorities stopped a boat carrying about 25 Syrian migrants from departing for Cyprus on Monday and arrested a Syrian national suspected of organising the journey.
The suspect, identified as M.A., remains in custody after the case was referred to the relevant authorities in northern Lebanon.
Investigation
Lebanon’s state security general directorate said it received information that a group of Syrian nationals was preparing to travel to Cyprus by sea.
Following monitoring and an investigation, authorities identified M.A., a Syrian national residing in Lebanon, as the alleged chief smuggler.
Allegations
Authorities said he was accused of arranging for people to travel from Syria to Lebanon and then by boat to Cyprus, before continuing to other European countries, in exchange for money.
During questioning, he allegedly admitted to operating a human trafficking network moving migrants from Syria to Europe via Cyprus.
Lebanese police also found that outstanding warrants had been issued against him.
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