Aleppo, Mar. 30 (SANA) Internal Security Forces in Aleppo province dismantled two dangerous criminal cells involved in kidnapping and extortion operations targeting civilians for large ransom payments, as part of ongoing efforts to reinforce security and stability.
Head of the Criminal Investigation Department in Aleppo, Major Malik Idris, told SANA on Monday that the operation followed precise monitoring and tracking of the groups’ movements, enabling security units to identify their locations and carry out targeted raids that resulted in the arrest of all members of both cells and the rescue of several kidnapped victims.
Investigations revealed that the two cells operated independently without direct links between them, yet engaged in the same criminal activity of abducting individuals in exchange for ransom, primarily targeting merchants and affluent individuals.
Idris noted that the first cell consisted of 10 members and carried out more than 10 kidnapping operations across various areas of Aleppo province, including the city and its northern and western countryside, with ransom demands ranging between $5,000 and $100,000.
The second cell, comprising 15 members, conducted more than eight kidnapping operations, mainly within the city of Aleppo, with ransom demands ranging from $15,000 to $235,000. He added that some of these crimes were uncovered following confessions by those arrested.
The investigations also revealed that members of both cells came from diverse backgrounds, including civilians and individuals previously linked to security and military entities affiliated with the ousted regime. The main orchestrator of the operations remains outside the country, with authorities pursuing legal measures to track and bring him to justice.
The operation comes amid intensified efforts by security authorities in Aleppo province to combat organized crime and safeguard citizens.
Major Idris stressed that the Internal Security Forces will continue to pursue anyone attempting to undermine the safety of citizens, marking this operation as a significant victory against organized crime in northern Syria.
H.H
