On February 28, 2025, the Lebanese Ministry of Finance confiscated $2.5 million from a traveler arriving from Turkey at Beirut International Airport. According to a ministry statement on X, cited by Barran Press, Lebanese Customs seized the funds, and the detainee and money were transferred to the General Security Directorate for investigation under the Public Prosecutor’s guidance.

Three sources told Reuters the funds were intended for Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group facing declining influence and resources after a year-long conflict with Israel. A November ceasefire mandates the Lebanese army’s deployment in southern Lebanon, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli and Hezbollah forces. Post-war, Reuters notes, Hezbollah has struggled to form a new government and lost political leverage.