Spy Arrested with Israeli Passport, Probe Could Lead to Persons “Above Suspicion”
Lebanese authorities have arrested three more alleged spies, including one carrying an Israeli passport, as investigation with Israel-linked espionage networks was likely to lead to persons "above suspicion."
Media reports on Friday identified the new detainees as Ali Gh. And Youssef H., both brothers of Nasser Nader already in police custody on charges of spying for the Israeli secret service, the Mossad.
One of the brothers was carrying an Israeli passport, according to the reports. They said the arrested were made on Thursday in the southern port city of Tyre.
The daily As Safir, citing a security source, said Friday that Nader had recruited his brothers to work for Israel.
Ali Gh. admitted to possessing an Israeli passport. He said he had traveled to Israel via Germany where he underwent training for the use of some devices.
The third suspect was identified as Anwar S., brother of the personal bodyguard of Fatah official in Lebanon Sultan Abul Ainayn.
Media reports said a police patrol late Monday raided Anwar”s house in Wadi al-Zaineh in Iqlim al-Kharroub province and confiscated a computer set and several pieces of apparatus as well as CD ROMs and a scope-equipped rifle.
The daily An Nahar quoted security sources as saying the interrogation of new suspects could lead to "persons above suspicion."
"This could cause an earthquake in the Lebanese arena," the source said.
Meanwhile, Al Akhbar newspaper quoted security officials as denying rumors that MPs, clergymen and other political and security officials had been arrested in connection with the spy networks.
Police chief Gen. Ashraf Rifi told As Safir Israel would no longer be able to "build (spy) networks with ease."
Surete Generale Director General Wafiq Jezzini said many of those arrested were re-recruited by Israel in recent years, particularly after the July 2006 war on Lebanon.