ISF uncovers criminal network operating from Brazil

The Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced on Saturday that they have arrested four individuals linked to a criminal network operating from Brazil, which sought to illegally seize real estate in Lebanon valued at several million dollars. Beirut’s judicial police, where a complaint had been filed by a private individual, said it continues to pursue other suspects involved.

“As part of the ISF’s fight against all types of crimes, especially fraud, a complaint was filed on Sept. 9, 2025, with the Beirut judicial detachment against R. Q. and J. N. for fraud,” the ISF said in a statement posted on X. “Following investigations, members of the detachment discovered an organized network led by R. Q. from Brazil, which planned to seize four properties worth approximately $30 million belonging to the father of the plaintiffs.”

The investigation revealed that no payments had been made for these properties. “Further, official sales documents had been forged, and two of these fake documents were used to replace the originals in the Beirut land registry,” the statement added.

Three people were arrested on Nov. 23, Nov. 28, and Dec. 1, 2025: J. N. (born 1987, Lebanese), A. Q. (born 1998, Lebanese), and H. M. (born 1962, Lebanese), who face charges of fraud, money laundering, and forgery. On Dec. 2, a fourth person, J. S. (born 1948, Lebanese), was arrested on suspicion of involvement in money laundering operations with other individuals.

According to the ISF, “judicial proceedings have been initiated against the four defendants, and search notices have been issued for other individuals involved, under the direction of the Office of Appeals of the Public Prosecutor in Beirut.”