A high-profile court case is unfolding in Lebanon, already dubbed the local version of the cult series 'Breaking Bad'. A Lebanese court has issued a default verdict against one of the country's most popular bloggers, George Hane Dib, known online as Dr Food. The blogger, whose audience exceeds 5 million people, has been sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor.
Bakery Business and Secret Schemes
George Hane Dib became a celebrity thanks to his culinary content. His brand, Dr Food Worldwide, sold food products, and many fans trusted the quality of the baked goods he promoted. However, behind the facade of a successful business, the prosecution claims, lay large-scale drug trafficking.
Prosecutors allege that the company was used for the production and smuggling of hashish. Drugs were hidden inside packages of cookies and cakes and then shipped abroad via Turkey. The investigation began after law enforcement authorities seized approximately 820 kg of hashish hidden in cake packaging in 2024.
Comparison with Gus Fring
The media did not miss the opportunity to draw parallels with the series 'Breaking Bad', where Gus Fring smuggled drugs under the cover of the Los Pollos Hermanos restaurant chain. The Lebanese case earned the nickname 'Lebanese Breaking Bad' due to the similarity of the scheme: a legal business served as a cover for illegal activities.
Blogger's Reaction and Future Prospects
Dib himself is outside Lebanon and denies any wrongdoing. Following the announcement of the verdict, he published several videos in which he claimed to be a victim of injustice. His lawyers continue to challenge the charges, but for now, the blogger remains on the international wanted list.
The Dr Food case has become one of the most resonant in Lebanon in recent times. It not only showed how modern technology and social networks can be used for criminal activities but also sparked widespread public outcry.
