Smuggled Internet Services Endanger Security and Squander Funds

Telecommunications Minister Butros Harb stressed on Wednesday that investigations will continue to uncover the perpetrators behind installing illegal internet networks in several areas around Lebanon, As Safir daily reported.

“The probe will continue until the details on the violating companies and their owners are uncovered,” Harb told the daily in an interview.

The Minister said that the security apparatuses have been informed about the incident adding that he has filed a complaint to the General Prosecutor's office.

During a meeting of the parliamentary media committee, the interlocutors unveiled what was described as a “mafia” that is bluntly taking advantage of internet services by installing internet stations that are not subject to the state control.

The owners of these stations are buying international internet bandwidth with nominal cost from Turkey and Cyprus which they are selling back to Lebanese subscribers at reduced prices.

For his part, head of the committee MP Hassan Fadlallah told the daily: “This file triggers many question marks,” pointing out that “ the circumstances surrounding the issue are suspicious.”

He warned that the illegal Internet networks might be breached by Israel or any party that wants to spy on Lebanon.

It has been reported that wireless internet towers and technical equipment were placed illegally in some mountainous terrains including Tannourine, al-Dinnieh, Sannine and al-Zaarour.

Smuggled internet services initiate risks namely the possibility of security breach as it lacks the basic control standards exposing Lebanon's security to third parties including Israel.

Adding to the above is the fact that smuggling online services outside legal frameworks is a waste for the state's treasury amounting to over $2 million losses on a monthly basis.

D.A.

G.K.