Lebanon is facing a major scandal after an auto repair worker allegedly posed as a Saudi prince to influence politicians and interfere in key political decisions.
Lebanese authorities have uncovered a complex fraud scheme in which a man from a modest background is accused of impersonating a Saudi royal to gain access to the country’s political elite. The suspect, Moustafa al-Hasian, allegedly used the fake identity to contact lawmakers and senior figures, presenting himself as a powerful foreign decision-maker.
Using the alias Abu Omar, he reportedly communicated with politicians by phone, giving directions on how they should vote during the election of a prime minister. Investigators say some members of parliament altered their voting choices after receiving these calls, believing they reflected foreign backing. Although the final election result was not changed, the incident raised serious concerns about political influence.
The operation was allegedly carried out in coordination with a prominent Sunni cleric, Khaldoun Oraymet. Together, they are accused of arranging political meetings, influencing decisions, and exploiting Lebanon’s sensitivity to perceived foreign involvement. The use of foreign phone numbers and a convincing accent reportedly helped sustain the deception for months.
The scam came to light recently, leading to the detention of both men. Prosecutors have filed charges including fraud, impersonation, blackmail, and unlawful political interference, along with damaging diplomatic relations.
The case has drawn attention to weaknesses within Lebanon’s political system, particularly its openness to external pressure. Analysts say the episode highlights how deeply foreign influence is embedded in political decision-making and how easily authority can be misused when verification is lacking.
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