Lebanese Man Arrested for Posing as Saudi Prince to Influence Political and Business Elites
A major fraud probe unfolds after a fake ‘Saudi royal’ allegedly targeted Lebanon’s political elite with promises of Riyadh backing
Lebanese authorities have arrested a man accused of masquerading as a senior Saudi royal intermediary in an elaborate deception that reportedly ensnared prominent politicians, businessmen and religious figures in Lebanon.
The suspect, widely known as “Abu Omar,” is alleged to be Mustafa al-Hessian, a Lebanese national from the Akkar region who presented himself for years as an unofficial conduit to the Saudi royal court, promising influence, backing and access to powerbrokers in Riyadh in return for political and financial favours.
The scheme has sparked a high-level fraud investigation amid concern over its reach into Lebanon’s political elite.
Security sources in Beirut say “Abu Omar” cultivated an image of authority and credibility by portraying himself as a trusted Saudi official with direct lines to high-ranking decision-makers in the kingdom.
He reportedly worked closely with a Sunni religious figure, Khaldoun Araymet, who introduced him to leading politicians as an informal but effective channel for securing Saudi support, even suggesting that instructions from Riyadh could arrive at key moments in political negotiations.
Investigators trace elements of the operation back to at least 2015, during which time figures within Lebanon’s fractious political landscape were allegedly told they could gain parliamentary seats, ministerial roles or even the premiership with purported backing from Saudi Arabia.
Officials have not yet released detailed charges, but the case has raised questions about the extent to which individuals can exploit Lebanon’s complex sectarian system and external influences for personal gain.
Analysts note that Lebanon’s political elites have long been susceptible to external patronage networks, particularly from regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, each seeking to shape domestic outcomes in Beirut.
While Saudi Arabia is a legitimate and longstanding diplomatic partner for many Lebanese leaders and has played a prominent role in recent presidential elections and reconstruction discussions, there has been no official confirmation that Riyadh authorised any intermediaries in this alleged fraud.
The ongoing probe into “Abu Omar’s” activities underscores broader anxieties about corruption, influence-peddling and the vulnerability of Lebanese political processes to manipulation.
Investigators are reportedly examining financial transactions, communications records and the network of contacts cultivated by the suspect, as authorities aim to determine the full scope of the deception and whether others in political and business circles were complicit or unwitting participants.
The case continues to unfold amid growing public frustration with Lebanon’s economic crisis and demand for greater transparency and accountability in political life.
The suspect, widely known as “Abu Omar,” is alleged to be Mustafa al-Hessian, a Lebanese national from the Akkar region who presented himself for years as an unofficial conduit to the Saudi royal court, promising influence, backing and access to powerbrokers in Riyadh in return for political and financial favours.
The scheme has sparked a high-level fraud investigation amid concern over its reach into Lebanon’s political elite.
Security sources in Beirut say “Abu Omar” cultivated an image of authority and credibility by portraying himself as a trusted Saudi official with direct lines to high-ranking decision-makers in the kingdom.
He reportedly worked closely with a Sunni religious figure, Khaldoun Araymet, who introduced him to leading politicians as an informal but effective channel for securing Saudi support, even suggesting that instructions from Riyadh could arrive at key moments in political negotiations.
Investigators trace elements of the operation back to at least 2015, during which time figures within Lebanon’s fractious political landscape were allegedly told they could gain parliamentary seats, ministerial roles or even the premiership with purported backing from Saudi Arabia.
Officials have not yet released detailed charges, but the case has raised questions about the extent to which individuals can exploit Lebanon’s complex sectarian system and external influences for personal gain.
Analysts note that Lebanon’s political elites have long been susceptible to external patronage networks, particularly from regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Iran, each seeking to shape domestic outcomes in Beirut.
While Saudi Arabia is a legitimate and longstanding diplomatic partner for many Lebanese leaders and has played a prominent role in recent presidential elections and reconstruction discussions, there has been no official confirmation that Riyadh authorised any intermediaries in this alleged fraud.
The ongoing probe into “Abu Omar’s” activities underscores broader anxieties about corruption, influence-peddling and the vulnerability of Lebanese political processes to manipulation.
Investigators are reportedly examining financial transactions, communications records and the network of contacts cultivated by the suspect, as authorities aim to determine the full scope of the deception and whether others in political and business circles were complicit or unwitting participants.
The case continues to unfold amid growing public frustration with Lebanon’s economic crisis and demand for greater transparency and accountability in political life.
