Lebanon’s Organized Crime Problem: A Complex Web of Corruption and Insecurity

Lebanon has long struggled with political instability and corruption, creating a fertile ground for organized crime to thrive. Criminal networks operate in almost every sector of the economy, from drug trafficking to human smuggling, extortion to racketeering.

Hezbollah’s Role

Hezbollah, the powerful militia, has been accused of engaging in criminal activities such as:

Drug trafficking
Currency forgery
Protection of criminal enterprises, particularly those involved in cannabis production in the Beqaa Valley
High-ranking politicians allegedly providing protection to these criminal networks

Security forces have also been implicated in extortion and racketeering.

Foreign Actors

Criminal groups from neighboring countries collaborate with Lebanese counterparts in:

Human smuggling and trafficking
Palestinian contraband networks operating within refugee camps with limited scrutiny

Lebanon’s porous borders make it an attractive location for criminal networks to operate, with links to mafias in Europe and South America.

Private Sector Infiltration

Criminal actors have deeply infiltrated Lebanon’s private sector, particularly in areas dominated by Hezbollah. The Beqaa Valley is home to cannabis farms controlled by armed clans and families who exercise territorial control over the region.

Weak Governance

Lebanon’s governance is characterized by:

Elite dominance
Limited opposition
Lax approach to organized crime
Corruption is rampant, with politicians and security officials often obstructing corruption investigations

The country’s economic decline and political turmoil have hindered its capacity to effectively combat organized crime.

Criminal Justice System

The judicial system faces challenges including:

Lack of judges
Slow proceedings
Case backlogs
Difficulties in receiving justice for victims of abuse and trafficking

Civil society organizations are often the sole providers of services to victims, while government efforts have been criticized for lacking sufficient support and compensation.

Economic Crisis

Lebanon’s economy has been severely affected by an ongoing crisis, leading to:

Sharp devaluation of the Lebanese lira
High inflation
Corruption represents a major obstacle in tackling these economic challenges

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in providing services to victims of abuse and trafficking. However, their operations are often under-capacitated and insufficiently supported by the state.

NGOs and charities face challenges related to funding and resources, while the government’s efforts to address exploitation have been criticized for lacking sufficient support and compensation for victims.

Media Landscape

Lebanon’s media landscape faces challenges regarding:

Press freedom
Outlets often serving as extensions of political parties or businesspeople
Laws related to defamation and the dissemination of false information frequently impeding freedom of press

The sector is deeply intertwined with the sectarian system, making it difficult for independent reporting to thrive.