Conflict Incident Report

The Internal Security Forces has arrested two men suspected of having stolen a car in Kesrouan’s Ghadir on the order of a car theft gang based in Hermel, a statement from the agency reported Saturday.

The ISF said it arrested the two suspects – identified as Lebanese national F.T., born in 1990, and Syrian national M.E., born in 1985 – after a man reported to police that his Hyundai had been stolen.

F.T. was arrested Monday when a car he allegedly used in the theft was confiscated from him. M.E. was arrested shortly after and was found to be in possession of a bag containing tools used for stealing cars, the statement said, adding that M.E. also had a fake Lebanese ID card.

During his questioning, M.E. allegedly admitted to partnering with F.T. and stealing the Hyundai from Ghadir, and later taking it to the leader of a car theft gang in Baalbeck’s Hermel. M.E. said he received around $500 in Syrian currency for the job and split the money with F.T.

However, F.T. said he only drove the car from Ghadir to Hermel and said he was unaware it had been stolen. Nevertheless, the ISF’s statement said there was proof that F.T. was involved in the theft.

The ISF said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the rest of the gang, and that F.T. and M.E. have been referred to the Judicial Police for further investigation.

According to the statement, M.E. had previously been charged with theft, using fake money and attempted murder, while F.T. was previously charged with forgery.