Investigations ongoing in alleged Saudi prince 'Abu Omar' scandal

The judicial investigation opened into the individual known as ‘Abu Omar,’ who allegedly posed as a Saudi prince and defrauded several Lebanese political figures, continued on Friday with a series of hearings conducted by the Public Prosecutor at the Court of Cassation, Jamal Hajjar, as reactions multiply within the political class. The person concerned, as well as Akkar MP Mohammad Sleiman, were heard as part of this investigation opened a few days ago, L’Orient-Le Jour has learned from a judicial source. Other people are also expected to be questioned by Judge Hajjar for their alleged involvement.

Although the investigation was suspended for the day, it remains ongoing, the same source added. After extensively questioning Sheikh Khaldoun Oraymet on Wednesday, Jamal Hajjar ordered his arrest. This cleric, a Sunni figure from the Akkar region, is accused by some of having ties with “Abou Omar.” On Friday, according to our information, army intelligence questioned Sheikh Khaled Sabsabi, who was released on condition that he appear again for further questioning.

In the meantime, several political figures issued statements denying any link to the case. The office of MP Sleiman confirmed that he had been heard “as a witness,” stressing “his commitment to the principle that the law applies to everyone.” The magistrate had also heard, as witnesses on Wednesday, MP Fouad Makhzoumi and former minister Mohammad Shoucair. Makhzoumi’s adviser, Carole Zouein, wrote Thursday on X that Makhzoumi denied having made any payment to Abou Omar, noting that the MP told the prosecutor during his hearing the previous day that his relationship with the sheikhs of Dar al-Fatwa is limited to a hospitalization fund he created three years ago. While confirming this statement, a judicial source indicated that Sheikh Oraymet is suffering from cancer.

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According to a judicial source, the case broke out following information provided to the judiciary by Ahmad Haddara, a businessman from Akkar. The latter is said to have sent men to kidnap and violently beat ‘Abu Omar,’ causing him a broken jaw.

Modon reported that high-profile figures are believed to have transferred money to Oraymet, who “managed Abou Omar’s affairs.” The same outlet added that he refused to provide any information in the absence of his lawyer. His son Marhef, himself a lawyer, was present to handle his defense. Since the case broke out, the sheikh has spoken publicly several times to deny any involvement.

Finally, a senior judicial source noted that the fake prince had already been arrested in another case unrelated to this investigation.

Political figures deny any involvement

Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni religious authority in Lebanon, recalled on Thursday that “the case of the so-called prince and the proceedings against all persons involved fall exclusively within the jurisdiction of the judiciary.” The institution and the Grand Mufti of the Republic “do not intervene, either directly or indirectly, in any arrest carried out for investigative purposes.”

For its part, the office of Bekaa MP Hassan Mourad “categorically denied the information circulated by certain media outlets linking the MP’s name to Abu Omar.”

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Tripoli MP Ashraf Rifi issued a statement, relayed by the state-run National News Agency (NNA) on Friday, reiterating his "request to the judiciary to publish the full investigation with the individual known as 'Abu Omar,' so that the full truth may be revealed."

Bahiaa Hariri, sister of assassinated former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, said in a statement that, following the death of her husband in April 2024, former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora informed her about "a person called ‘Prince Abu Omar’ who wished to make a phone call to offer his condolences." She did, in fact, receive a phone call.

She added that, based on her "knowledge" of Saudi Arabia, and after contacting the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia in Lebanon, Walid Bukhari, it became clear that "there is no name or person with such a description."

On Thursday, former Prime Minister Saad Hariri posted a statement on X categorically denying "the claims contained in the report broadcast by Al-Jadeed TV regarding any contact or meeting, direct or indirect, with the individual known as 'Abu Omar,'" claiming the report is "purely defamatory and misleading."