
Lebanese policemen in front of a detention center in Beirut, Aug. 7, 2022. (Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP)
A man posing as an employee of the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon under the pretense of facilitating the acquisition of an American visa has been arrested by the police, the Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced in a statement on Wednesday.
Several Lebanese and Syrians were duped by the individual, a 75-year-old Lebanese man operating under the fictitious name of Michael Moawad, the statement said. The ISF managed to arrest him on Thursday in Jounieh. A photo of a forged American passport under the name Michael Moawad was found in his possession, along with official documents and passport photos of people who had fallen victim to his actions. The septuagenarian has been imprisoned for "fraud and forgery offenses."
The police have called on those who had dealings with him to report to the judicial police in Jdeideh, near the Palace of Justice, or to contact 01-901203, so that "the necessary legal measures" can be taken.
Many Lebanese are trying to obtain visas to leave the country, which is in the midst of a crisis.