Two Organized Prostitution Networks 'Busted' in Beirut
8/8/2026 1:23:58 PM
The Internal Security Forces (ISF) said they dismantled two organized prostitution networks operating in Beirut, particularly in the Hamra area, as part of an ongoing crackdown on human trafficking and crimes against public morality.
According to an ISF statement, the Anti-Human Trafficking and Morals Protection Bureau received information on July 30, 2026, about the activities of the two networks.
The first network reportedly contacted clients via WhatsApp and sent them photos of women working for the network, allowing clients to select a woman before booking a room at a Beirut hotel. The women were then sent to the hotel in exchange for money to engage in prostitution.
ISF patrols arrested three women caught in the act at a hotel, along with a woman identified by the initials (A.H.), who reportedly admitted to running the network. Four Syrian women and a Palestinian man who worked as a driver were also arrested.
At the same time, officers raided a second network operating an “escort” service at the same hotel. Four Russian women and one Brazilian woman were arrested in the act, and officers seized money believed to have been generated through prostitution.
During questioning, the detainees reportedly admitted to working for an organized network run by two individuals based outside Lebanon, known by the aliases “Mila” and “Max.” Search and investigation warrants were issued for them and other suspects who remain at large.
A.H. also reportedly admitted to managing a network involving eight women and working for a larger network run by a man known as “Abu Ali.” The detained Syrian women said they had engaged in prostitution with her assistance and under Abu Ali’s management. Search warrants were subsequently issued for the remaining suspects.
The hotel owner and one employee were also arrested after allegedly being found to have facilitated the prostitution activities. One of those detained was additionally found to be involved in the illegal possession or trafficking of military-grade weapons.
The hotel was subsequently sealed with red wax. Legal proceedings were initiated against the detainees under instructions from the competent judiciary, while efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.
According to an ISF statement, the Anti-Human Trafficking and Morals Protection Bureau received information on July 30, 2026, about the activities of the two networks.
The first network reportedly contacted clients via WhatsApp and sent them photos of women working for the network, allowing clients to select a woman before booking a room at a Beirut hotel. The women were then sent to the hotel in exchange for money to engage in prostitution.
ISF patrols arrested three women caught in the act at a hotel, along with a woman identified by the initials (A.H.), who reportedly admitted to running the network. Four Syrian women and a Palestinian man who worked as a driver were also arrested.
At the same time, officers raided a second network operating an “escort” service at the same hotel. Four Russian women and one Brazilian woman were arrested in the act, and officers seized money believed to have been generated through prostitution.
During questioning, the detainees reportedly admitted to working for an organized network run by two individuals based outside Lebanon, known by the aliases “Mila” and “Max.” Search and investigation warrants were issued for them and other suspects who remain at large.
A.H. also reportedly admitted to managing a network involving eight women and working for a larger network run by a man known as “Abu Ali.” The detained Syrian women said they had engaged in prostitution with her assistance and under Abu Ali’s management. Search warrants were subsequently issued for the remaining suspects.
The hotel owner and one employee were also arrested after allegedly being found to have facilitated the prostitution activities. One of those detained was additionally found to be involved in the illegal possession or trafficking of military-grade weapons.
The hotel was subsequently sealed with red wax. Legal proceedings were initiated against the detainees under instructions from the competent judiciary, while efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are ongoing.