Lebanese authorities are investigating the seizure of $2.5 million transported from Iran to Lebanon via Turkey, following claims by the Higher Islamic Shiite Council that the funds belong to it and not to Hezbollah, as initially suspected.

The council, in a letter addressed to Public Prosecutor Judge Jamal Al-Hajjar, asserted that the confiscated money consisted of foreign donations and formally requested its release.

The case revolves around Mohammad Aref Hussein, who was detained on Friday upon his arrival at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport from Turkey aboard a Pegasus Airlines flight. He was found carrying the substantial sum in cash.

A judicial source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Hussein stated during questioning that the funds were intended for Shiite charitable organizations. However, he claimed not to know their exact origin or the identity of the Iranian individual who handed him the money at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen Airport. He also made no mention of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council in his testimony.

“What raises suspicion is that the council did not notify authorities of its ownership of the money until three days after its seizure,” the source said. “Additionally, it has not provided official documentation proving ownership or the origin of the funds.”

Authorities have emphasized that foreign donations, whether for charities or religious institutions, must be declared in advance, with their sources identified before entry into Lebanon.

A source familiar with the case noted that the council’s delay in acting immediately after the funds were seized has contributed to ambiguity surrounding the case.

“The council’s president, Sheikh Ali Al-Khatib, could have contacted the country’s leadership to intervene on its behalf,” the source pointed out.

Following three days of preliminary investigations, Judge Al-Hajjar referred the case to Mount Lebanon’s Public Prosecutor, Judge Sami Sader, who subsequently charged Hussein with money laundering and transporting large sums without disclosure. The case was then forwarded to Mount Lebanon Investigative Judge Kamal Nassar for further inquiry and the possible issuance of an arrest warrant.

Upon receiving the Higher Islamic Shiite Council’s letter, Judge Al-Hajjar promptly referred it to Judge Sader, who then passed it to Investigative Judge Nassar for review. The latter now holds jurisdiction over the matter and may request supporting documents from the council to verify its claim to the funds.

“No individual or institution can simply claim ownership of seized money without presenting sufficient evidence,” a source close to the case said. “The legal circumstances of this case suggest a potential money laundering operation.”