“Merchants of death boats" were not the only ones who took advantage of the tragedies and suffering of those hoping to escape to other nations and have a better future.
Citizens who wanted to emigrate to escape their economic situation have been exploited and defrauded in various ways over the past two years.
"Toufica Q," a gang's leader, duped dozens of victims into believing they would be granted immigration and educational visas to Australia and other nations. Families had to sell everything they owned to pay $6,000 for an immigrant visa and $3,500 for an education visa.
While they awaited the promised visas to be issued, some waited in Lebanon while others relocated to Turkey.
However, it turned out that these individuals had been the victims of fraud and fake visas. Their money, which they had paid and transferred to Toufica, had been confiscated. They had been stuck in Turkey for some time—despite having sold everything to emigration—and could not leave.
Toufica, for her part, reportedly fled to Istanbul before continuing to another destination.
Several victims made complaints.
Lebanese-Australian lawyer Gilda T filed one of the complaints through her agent in Lebanon, attorney Mohamed Hafeza.
Investigations reveal that Toufica contacted her on a third party's recommendation, claiming to be a representative of the United Nations in the field of education.
She also claimed that she offers visas and immigration opportunities to Australia and other nations through her center in Al Thaqafa Street. She asked her for assistance in facilitating the travel of Tripoli students to Australian universities.
The lawyer contacted many of her acquaintances in Australia and Tripoli to communicate with Toufica's office.
On behalf of students and families, the lawyer also gave Toufica money, which she then fraudulently withheld.
Investigation Judge for North Lebanon Governorate Dany Zeeny looked into the Australian attorney's complaint and charged Toufica after concluding that she had created a lie based on forged documents to seize the plaintiff and other people's money.
He reported her to the Single Criminal Judge after accusing her of a misdemeanor punishable by Article 655 penalties.
There are other similar case files with different judges.
To avoid exploiting citizens, it is necessary to be strict in these cases. The defendant must also be located from outside the country, her entire network must be exposed, and the money of dozens of victims who sold everything they owned must be returned.