Lebanese security forces arrest serial offender for stealing Golden Crosses from Melkite Greek Catholic church in Jal el Dib
JAL EL DIB, Lebanon — Amid ongoing security challenges in Lebanon, the General Directorate of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces announced the arrest of an individual responsible for stealing seven golden crosses from the Melkite Greek Catholic Church of Our Lady of the Coast in Jal el Dib on the southern Lebanese coast.
According to the Directorate’s statement, the suspect forcibly entered the church, stealing golden crosses valued at $7,000. After thorough investigations, security forces apprehended the thief, who was already wanted on over a hundred judicial warrants for charges including theft, drug offenses, and identity fraud.
Legal actions have been initiated against the suspect, and the investigation is ongoing under the supervision of the relevant judiciary. The Directorate has circulated the suspect’s photo to prevent further crimes and protect potential victims.
This theft is just one of many incidents highlighting the security instability in Lebanon, where several churches have been targeted for theft and vandalism this year.