Molotov cocktails and legal loopholes: the desperation behind Beirut’s citizen bank heists – The National

Molotov cocktails and legal loopholes: the desperation behind Beirut’s citizen bank heists – The National

Inside an unassuming Beirut home, three people are deep into planning a daring heist. Surrounded by notes in the starkly-lit living room as the sky darkens outside, a woman recounts the results of a reconnasiance mission. The group have their nerves under control, despite discussing worst case scenarios.

“We all know that this could lead to our death, but we are ready for that,” the heist leader says.

The next day, at around 11am, a Lebanese lawyer and three civilians forced their way into the Credit Libanais bank in Hazmieh, armed with Molotov cocktails and a pistol.