A multinational smuggling network linked to Hezbollah has been uncovered and dismantled across Europe, according to a report by Le Figaro. Authorities intercepted large shipments of drone parts that were allegedly intended for attacks against Israel.
The sophisticated operation spanned Spain, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Officials believe the network was supplying Iran-backed Hezbollah with enough materials to build hundreds—or even thousands—of explosive drones.
The investigation began in mid-2024 when Spain’s Civil Guard identified suspicious purchases by Lebanese nationals operating through front companies. These purchases included electronic guidance systems, engines, propellers, and chemical components. Authorities intercepted the shipments before they could reach Hezbollah.
Some of the components may have already been used in drones launched at Israel, investigators said.
The first arrests were made in July 2024. Spanish police captured a suspect, identified as Firas A.H., in Barcelona. He was accused of attempting to ship drone parts that could be weaponized against Israeli military and civilian targets.
Around the same time, German police arrested Fadel Z. in Salzgitter. Prosecutors said he had ties to Hezbollah dating back to 2016 and had bought drone engines in Germany for use in attacks on Israel.
A second wave of arrests came in April 2025. Spain detained three more suspects in Barcelona. In France, the domestic intelligence agency DGSI arrested one man for allegedly planning terror attacks, again believed to be aimed at Israel.
In the UK, two suspects were arrested in London. Both were accused of financing terrorism and being part of a banned group. While British police found no immediate threat to the public, they confirmed that the investigation focused on Hezbollah’s operations both in the UK and abroad. The suspects were released on bail, with court proceedings scheduled for July 2025.
The head of Britain’s Counter Terrorism Command emphasized the seriousness of the case: “We will take robust action against anyone involved in terrorist activity, whether it affects the UK or not.”
Authorities say there was no evidence the group planned attacks on European soil. However, the size and coordination of the smuggling ring highlight Hezbollah’s ongoing effort to prepare for future conflict with Israel, using Europe as a logistics base.
The network mirrors previous smuggling operations supported by Iran, aimed at arming Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Recent reports also show that Hezbollah has shifted to using sea routes for smuggling, after Israel closed overland routes through Syria and the Lebanese government cracked down on illegal shipments. Saudi news outlet Al-Hadath reported this shift last week.
In February, the Israeli military accused Iran’s Quds Force of smuggling cash to Hezbollah through Beirut’s international airport using civilian flights. The money was allegedly used to rebuild the group’s capabilities.
Hezbollah’s drone and rocket attacks escalated after Hamas invaded southern Israel on October 7, 2023. The attacks forced evacuations in northern Israel and triggered the most prolonged conflict between Hezbollah and Israel since the 2006 war.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah began in November 2024. Though it formally ended in February 2025, large-scale fighting has not resumed. Israel continues to hold five key positions in southern Lebanon, which Defense Minister Israel Katz says are essential for protecting northern Israeli communities.
