Lebanese Money Changer Murder Linked to Israeli Agents: Interior Minister

The killing of Mohammed Sorour, 57, which was sanctioned by the United States, was tantamount to an international spy thriller.

Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi said in an interview with the Associated Press that pistols equipped with silencers and gloves were found in a bucket of water at the site, apparently intended to remove fingerprints and other evidence.

The thousands of dollars in cash were left scattered around the body of Shorle, as if to eliminate any speculation that it was a robbery.

Mawlawi, referring to Israel’s intelligence service, said, “The Lebanese security services suspect or allege that the Mossad is behind this operation.” He added, “The manner in which the crime was committed this charge.

Al-Mawlawi said that the investigation is still ongoing, and once it is finished, the results will be announced and sent to the legal authorities.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who heads the Mossad, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Lebanese security services suspect that the crime may have been the work of Israeli agents at a time when the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israeli forces has devastated the southern border region of Lebanon.

The US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Sorour in 2019 over alleged financial transfers from Iran through Hezbollah to the Palestinian movement Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Sorour’s killing earlier this month came as US and Israeli officials tried to stop the flow of money to Hamas.

Last month, the top official of the US Treasury Department, during a visit to Beirut, urged the Lebanese authorities to prevent the transfer of funds to Hamas.

Sorour disappeared on April 3 in Beit Mery, and his body was found a week later in the city.

Molloy said investigators found “a large number of bullet wounds” on various parts of his body, including his arms and legs. He was reportedly kneeling.