Ekurhuleni Metro Police, together with Interpol, the Hawks and Crime Intelligence arrested two Lebanese brothers for illegally exporting drone components to Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Sam (Usama) Hamade (52) and his brother Isham (56) were arrested on February 16 and are expected to appear in Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court on Monday.
“There was a red notice put on them by the US government for exporting items without a proper permit. Following that notice, we identified them to be in this country and executed a warrant,” said Brig Vishnu Naidoo, national police spokesperson.
“Sam was arrested at his house in Kempton Park, while Isham was arrested at OR Tambo International Airport arriving from Lebanon. Both brothers are wanted in the US for exporting goods without a permit,” Naidoo said.
A third suspect, Samir Ahmed Berro, 64, who has Lebanese and British citizenship, is yet to be arrested, News24 reported.
They have been accused by the US of illegally exporting items to Hezbollah, which is classified as a terrorist organisation.
Last week’s press statement by the US Attorney’s office for the District of Minnesota details how Usama Hamade, also known as Prince Sam and who reportedly previously claimed to be Lebanese royalty, allegedly lied, saying digital compasses for drones were needed in SA for anti-poaching operations.
But the statement said these were actually destined for Hezbollah “co-conspirators in Lebanon”.
Normal extradition processes will be followed.
