In what was described as a “strange incident,” a young woman from the countryside of Masyaf, Syria, fabricated a story about her own kidnapping in an attempt to extort money from her family, before security investigations revealed the truth and foiled the scheme.

Brigadier General Ibrahim al-Mawas, the director of the department, said that authorities began an investigation immediately after receiving a report about the disappearance of the citizen (Sh.S) from the village of Deir Shmiel, following her return from work. The investigation included reviewing surveillance camera footage, questioning witnesses, and gathering information about her movements.

Al-Mawas added that the investigation results showed no evidence of an actual abduction, prompting the security units to intensify their search. They later located the young woman in a house on the outskirts of Masyaf, in the company of two individuals.

With authorization from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects were arrested, and drugs and a personal firearm were found in their possession.