Lebanese authorities have intercepted multiple attempts to smuggle millions of dollars into the country, raising concerns over illicit financial flows and potential money laundering operations. Less than a week after the seizure of $2.5 million at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport—funds suspected to have originated from Iran and allegedly intended for Hezbollah—security forces uncovered similar smuggling operations at Lebanon’s northern and eastern land borders.

A Lebanese official told Asharq Al-Awsat that security forces thwarted an attempt to smuggle $4 million from Syria into Lebanon through an illegal northern border crossing.

"A vehicle attempting to enter Lebanon via an unauthorized smuggling route was intercepted at a Lebanese Army checkpoint," the official said. "The individuals inside the vehicle abandoned it and fled. Upon searching the area, security forces discovered $4 million in cash packed in several bags, left behind by the smugglers during the chase."

The official revealed that following the seizure, a Lebanese businessman with ties to a prominent northern politician—an ally of the toppled Bashar al-Assad regime—intervened, claiming ownership of the funds. The businessman asserted that the money was part of his wealth generated from investments in Syria and requested its return. A former minister, closely affiliated with the same politician, also attempted to secure the release of the funds. However, both efforts were unsuccessful, as the Public Prosecutor’s Office ordered the money to be confiscated and placed under judicial custody.

Authorities did not disclose the exact timing of the seizure, citing the sensitivity of the information. A security source said northern security agencies were not tasked with conducting preliminary investigations but were instructed to immediately transfer the funds to the Ministry of Defense. The investigation is being supervised by Public Prosecutor Judge Jamal Al-Hajjar and the Military Prosecutor’s Office.

"The money will remain in custody until a court decision is issued on whether it should be confiscated for the Lebanese treasury," the source said.

A similar smuggling operation was uncovered at an illegal border crossing in Lebanon’s eastern Beqaa region. According to the official, Lebanese Army units patrolling the border intercepted an attempt to smuggle hundreds of thousands of dollars. A Lebanese businessman—who is the brother of a northern MP—quickly intervened, claiming the funds were part of his profits from business ventures in Syria. Unlike the previous case, the money was handed over to the businessman by order of a prosecutor from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, without verification of his claims.

Investigators have yet to determine the exact origin of the seized funds or their intended recipient in Lebanon. Conflicting reports suggest the money could have been Iranian funds transported via Iraq and Syria, destined for Hezbollah, particularly after Iranian aircraft were barred from landing at Beirut Airport and stricter monitoring was imposed on passengers arriving from Iran and Iraq. Others speculate that the funds may belong to political figures with financial and commercial ties to former Syrian regime officials.

A security source noted that the investigation has not confirmed whether the money was of Iranian origin and intended for Hezbollah or belonged to other entities.

A Lebanese judicial source told Asharq Al-Awsat that no businessman or politician can simply claim ownership of smuggled funds.

"If these sums were legitimate, why were they not brought in through official crossings and declared in advance?" the source questioned, describing the situation as "a clear case of money laundering, which is punishable by law."

The judiciary has also reiterated its firm stance on smuggling operations between Lebanon and Syria. The source pointed out that the issue extends beyond cash smuggling, with dozens of fuel tankers previously intercepted while attempting to transport fuel into Syria.

"These tankers were immediately seized and confiscated for the benefit of the Lebanese Army, without awaiting any settlements," the source added.