Child pornography case linked to TikTok in Lebanon: Verdict expected July 30

BEIRUT — The Mount Lebanon criminal court, presided over by Elie Helou, is expected to deliver its verdict on July 30 in the child pornography case linked to TikTok, according to a judicial source on Tuesday.

The case, which came to light in April 2024, centers on an alleged criminal network accused of luring minors, raping and drugging them, filming the assaults, and blackmailing the victims when they attempted to escape. The alleged ringleaders are also accused of selling the videos and laundering the illicit proceeds.

Among the defendants — referred to the criminal court in March 2025 by the Mount Lebanon Indictment Chamber — are P.N. (known as Steven), P.M. (nicknamed Jay) and H.S., who remain outside Lebanon and are the subject of arrest warrants issued in absentia. They face charges including physical and psychological torture, threats, violence, criminal association and offenses against public morality.

Also charged are A.K. (nicknamed Apo), the owner of a clothing store, G.M., the owner of a hair salon, and several other adults, including a lawyer, a dentist and a driver.

A woman born in 2004, along with two individuals who were minors at the time of the alleged offenses and were born in 2006 and 2007, are accused of luring other minors into the network. The two minors were initially detained before being released pending the verdict. They will be returned to custody only if convicted.

Several adult defendants had also been released but were taken back into custody on June 30 following the final hearing, in accordance with legal procedure. That hearing focused on the plaintiffs' lawyers' submissions and the defense's closing arguments.