Newsroom
Lebanese authorities say they stopped around 25 Syrian nationals from being taken to Cyprus by sea after uncovering the planned journey before the boat could leave.
Lebanon’s General Directorate of State Security announced Tuesday night that its Intelligence and Special Operations unit had received specific information about a group preparing to transport the Syrians by boat.
After monitoring the alleged operation and carrying out inquiries on the ground, officers identified a Syrian man living in Lebanon who is referred to by the initials M.A.
He is suspected of arranging for people to travel from Syria into Lebanon before continuing by sea to Cyprus. From here, some would allegedly attempt to move on to other European countries.
The journeys were arranged in exchange for money, according to Lebanese State Security.
The suspect was arrested on Aug. 31 in the Nemrin-Diniye district on the instructions of the relevant judicial authorities. His arrest prevented the boat journey from taking place.
Cyprus allegedly used as a gateway
During questioning, the man allegedly admitted to running an illegal migrant-smuggling network moving people from Syria towards Europe, mainly through Cyprus.
Lebanese authorities also said outstanding court warrants had already been issued against him. He remains in custody, while the case has been referred to the relevant judicial authorities in northern Lebanon.
Although Lebanese State Security described the operation as human trafficking, the available information points to alleged migrant smuggling, the paid, illegal movement of people across borders. Human trafficking generally involves exploitation and has not been established in the details released so far.
For Cyprus, the case is significant because it suggests the island was not always intended to be the passengers’ final destination. Instead, it was allegedly being used as the first stop inside the European Union and a gateway to other member states.
It also shows why cooperation with Lebanese authorities matters. Stopping these journeys before departure not only reduces pressure on Cyprus’ reception and asylum services but also prevents people from being placed aboard small boats for a dangerous journey across open sea.
This time, the vessel never left Lebanon. But the alleged route uncovered by investigators, from Syria to Lebanon, then Cyprus and onward into Europe, shows that the networks behind irregular migration remain active.
