Lebanon detains suspect accused of importing equipment for Hezbollah drone production

Lebanese authorities have detained a Lebanese national suspected of importing electrical equipment from France for Hezbollah, allegedly to be used in military activities, specifically the manufacture of drones. The arrest was made by the Internal Security Forces’ Information Branch following a request from French judicial authorities.

The suspect, identified as Rabih T., is accused of being part of a network dismantled in France that is suspected of exporting equipment to Hezbollah. According to a senior judicial source, the suspect acknowledged importing three shipments of electrical equipment and devices. He stated that he handed these over to an individual known only by a nickname, believed to be affiliated with Hezbollah.

During preliminary questioning, Rabih T. reportedly claimed he was unaware that the imported equipment could be used for military manufacturing purposes. He stated that he owns a business in the electrical equipment sector and that the imports were part of his normal commercial activities. Investigators, however, suspect these devices may have been used in the production of motors or other technical components for Hezbollah drones, a key focus of ongoing investigations in Lebanon and France.

“

He acknowledged importing three shipments of electrical equipment and devices, which he later handed over to an individual he said he knew only by a nickname and who is believed to be affiliated with Hezbollah.

The case comes amid heightened international scrutiny of Hezbollah's financial channels and its military and technological advancements, particularly concerning its unmanned aerial vehicle programs. Lebanese authorities have formally notified France of the arrest and are seeking a complete copy of the French investigation and supporting documents to aid their assessment of the allegations.

The Information Branch has completed its initial investigation and referred the case to the military prosecutor’s office. Charges have been filed against the suspect, and the case has been transferred to a military investigating judge. Authorities are also seeking to identify and apprehend a second individual believed to be involved.

“

The suspect reportedly told investigators he was unaware that the equipment could be used for military manufacturing purposes.