ISF Just Arrested The Suspect Behind Rental Scam Targeting Displaced Families

2026-03-18 - 21:02

The Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) announced the arrest of a man accused of running a rental scam targeting displaced families. The Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Protection Office arrested George El Achkar (born 1990, Lebanese) after tracking a series of fraud cases carried out through social media platforms. According to the ISF, the suspect used a calculated approach to deceive victims: Fake identities: He created multiple accounts posing as a real estate agent or landlord Fake listings: He shared ads for apartments that do not exist, targeting families urgently looking for housing Upfront payments: He convinced victims to send deposits or “arboun” through local money transfer services Cutting contact: After receiving the money, he blocked the victims and disappeared Following a technical investigation and surveillance operation, authorities arrested El Achkar on March 16, 2026. During interrogation, he admitted to the charges and explained how he carried out the scheme. The ISF confirmed that legal action has been taken, and the case has been referred to the judiciary. Investigations are ongoing to identify possible accomplices or similar networks. Authorities are urging anyone who may have been affected to report the case. Victims are asked to visit the Cybercrime and Intellectual Property Protection Office to file a complaint and take the necessary legal steps.