ALBAWABA - A troubling issue involving the abuse of youngsters via the popular social media app TikTok has shocked Lebanon. Recent revelations from Al Arabiya.net and Al Hadath.net provide startling facts regarding a plot hatched by a few people to entice minors for sex crimes.
The Lebanese legal system has moved quickly; according to Al Arabiya.net, accusations have been brought against 17 people who are involved in the case. Ten of the accused are in detention right now, while seven are still at large.
Al Arabiya.net cites sources close to the inquiry that highlight the accused's varied backgrounds. They include a photographer who was in charge of recording the attacks, a doctor who is being accused of harassing people, and even a city worker who is said to have transported victims in his cab.
Notably, according to information from Al Hadath.net, "Gigi Ghannawi," a user on TikTok, is identified as one of the primary participants in the affair.
Along with Swedish police, efforts are being made to capture the suspected mastermind, Paul Al Mouawshi, a.k.a. "Jay." There are plans in place for his extradition for interrogation.
The issue surfaced as a result of Internal Security Forces investigations that were published by Al Arabiya.net. These reports included incidents of drug coercion, sexual assault, and recording involving juveniles. Following these disclosures, six suspects—including kids themselves—were quickly taken into custody.
The whole scope of the victims' suffering is still unknown despite continuous investigations since, as Al Hadath.net points out, many of them are afraid to come forward and some parents are uninformed that their children were involved.
Not only is rape one of the crimes or claims against the accused or sought persons, but money laundering, harassment, and human trafficking are also included."
