The Sunni Sheikh Khaldoun Oraymet. (Credit: NNA)
BEIRUT — Sunni Sheikh Khaldoun Oraymet, suspected of helping several Lebanese figures communicate with a fake Saudi prince known as “Abu Omar,” is set to be questioned Feb. 4 by Beirut investigating judge Roula Osman, L’Orient-Le Jour reported Friday.
On Jan. 20, the judge issued warrants for the arrest of Oraymet and Moustapha Hessian, also known as Abu Omar, a plumber from Akkar who posed as a Saudi emir to politicians and businessmen, claiming he could guarantee them support from Riyadh in exchange for payments.
Prior to these arrests, the judge questioned each suspect separately for two hours, then confronted them together for half an hour.
As part of the investigation, the judge also questioned Sunni Sheikh Khaled Sabsabi on Thursday, who is being prosecuted for “false testimony” by the Beirut appellate court. Sabsabi initially claimed to have introduced Abu Omar to Oraymet, then retracted his statement, explaining that he wanted to protect the latter and prevent justice from blaming him for the alleged scam. He was released after questioning.
The “Abu Omar” case has shaken Lebanese political life, affecting in particular Sunni officials. For several years, the fake Saudi prince reportedly led some political figures to believe he had privileged access to Riyadh, selling these promised contacts for money.
Rubio condemns Iran's 'outrageous' attacks on Kuwait
