October 4, 2026
Businessman Hisham Itani and his company “Encrypt” lost their prominent positions in two vital sectors affiliated with the Lebanese state, which are the projects of automating the Traffic, Machinery and Vehicles Administration (Useful Vehicles) and issuing passports, following the transfer of the two tasks to the German company “Mühlbauer ID Services GmbH.”
The German company’s victory in the “Al Nafaa” mechanization tender, after previously obtaining the passport tender, represents a remarkable transformation that deprives “Encrypt” of two basic contracts that have, over the years, formed a pivotal pillar of its business and influence in the sector of official documents and citizens’ transactions.
On the other hand, the new German company faces cautious public anticipation. The data confirmed that its German identity does not constitute a “blank check,” and that Lebanese public opinion will subject its performance to strict oversight to assess the extent of its commitment to providing high-quality services equivalent to the fees paid, far from repeating previous experiences of disruption and complexity.
Success in the Lebanese market remains dependent on the ability to complete transactions regularly and effectively, amid assurances that citizens will not be lenient in holding accountable any party that fails to meet their service aspirations.
