Security forces deployed in front of Hamra's Byblos Bank after a hold-up by a depositor, on Oct. 31, 2022. (Credit: Courtesy of the Cry of the Depositors Association)
BEIRUT — Lebanese security forces managed on Monday morning to put an end, within half an hour, to a hold-up by a depositor of the Byblos Bank in the Hamra district of Beirut, a spokesperson for the association "The Cry of Depositors" told L'Orient Today.
The customer of the bank, a Palestinian national, was demanding his own money blocked by the bank by threatening those inside the branch, although it is still unclear whether he was armed and the amount of money he was demanding.
The security forces entered the bank and arrested him.
Bank robberies by depositors have been on the rise in Lebanon lately, as banks have been imposing illegal restrictions on deposits since the financial crisis began in late 2019. Faced with these incidents, banks have repeatedly closed their doors and have demanded security assurances.