Charbel announces arrest of crime ringleaders

Lebanese interior minister Marwan Charbel has announced the arrest of five brothers who led a crime ring in Beirut's Al Nabaa'h neighbourhood. The arrests were made after receiving information about the brothers' involvement in 11 crimes including the murders of taxi drivers, a soldier and a security guard. Security forces in Lebanon revealed to 'Arabstoday' that the ringleaders consisting of brothers George, Aziz, Moris, Massis and Michel Taklian were from an Armenian neighbourhood in East Beirut. Minister Charbel stated that the arrests were made at 3am local time, and that he led the military unit of the intelligence branch of the interior ministry that stormed the flat. Interrogation has already begun and Charbel is to hold a press conference later on Tuesday. Charbel confirmed that one of the criminals was arrested while trying to sell a cellphone that belonged to Lebanese soldier Ziad Deeb who was killed three days ago. The weapons used by the brothers to perpetrate the crimes have been confiscated by the police. DNa tests conducted Tuesday morning confirmed that one of the arrested was responsible for kidnapping. Residents in surrounding areas were relieved to hear of the arrests.