Mr. Hammoud described recent high-ranking defectors relaying stories of Sunni officers in Syria being detained, and their families being pursued.

WSJ: Syrian Brass Defect, Buoying Rebels

Aref Hammoud, who was among dissident soldiers who greeted the incoming defectors in the southern Turkey camp that houses the Free Syrian Army.

WSJ: Syrian Brass Defect, Buoying Rebels

The FBI later revealed that the smuggling ring, led by Lebanese immigrant Mohamad Hammoud, had made 7.9 million dollars, profit which was then sent to Hezbollah.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Tehran's Terror Master

"It has nothing to do with terrorism, " says lawyer James W. Burdick, who points out that his client, Majid Hammoud, has been released on his own recognizance.

FORBES: Hezbollah's Hoard