A Lebanese man who posed as a powerful Saudi royal intermediary has been arrested after allegedly deceiving prominent Lebanese politicians and business figures with promises of political backing, financial influence and access to decision-makers in Riyadh.
The figure, widely known as "Abu Omar", was presented for years as a senior Saudi official with close ties to the royal court, capable of shaping Lebanon's political landscape.
Lebanese security sources say he was in fact Mustafa al-Hessian, a Lebanese national from the northern Akkar region, who allegedly coordinated the scheme with prominent Lebanese Sunni religious figure Khaldoun Araymet.
According to multiple accounts published by Lebanese media, the operation dates back to at least 2015.
Araymet reportedly introduced "Abu Omar" to politicians as an unofficial channel to senior Saudi authorities, using carefully calibrated language and repeated assurances that "instructions would come at the right time".
Targets were allegedly promised Saudi support to secure parliamentary seats, return to government, or even gain the premiership.
The scheme focused particularly on wealthy figures or those with strong political ambitions, especially within Lebanon's Sunni political scene, where Saudi backing has long carried weight.
High-profile names named
According to Lebanese media reports, those who fell victim to the alleged deception include senior political and business figures such as former Minister of Tourism Michel Pharaon, former Minister of Telecommunications and head of Lebanon's Federation of Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture Mohammad Choucair, MPs Nabil Badr, Ghassan Hasbani, Lebanese Forces head Samir Geagea, among others.
Some are said to have provided financial assistance to Araymet or his associates, believing it was linked to political guarantees from Riyadh.
One case cited involved Pharaon, who allegedly provided a monthly financial allowance of $4,000 to Araymet, reportedly in exchange for promises of Saudi support to return him to parliament.
The scheme also reportedly extended into state institutions. Lebanese outlets claim Araymet's son obtained a contract at Beirut port during a period of interim management, allegedly following false assurances of Saudi backing for port officials.
The unravelling
Suspicions intensified in recent months when "Abu Omar" repeatedly failed to appear in person, communicating only via phone.
A breakthrough reportedly occurred when one victim attempted to call "Abu Omar" while sitting next to al-Hessian, whose phone rang at the same moment, according to Beirut-based pan-Arab Al-Modon news site.
Investigations that followed led to the arrest of al-Hessian by Lebanese army intelligence. According to reports, he confessed during questioning that he had carried out the phone calls at Araymet's request, impersonating a Saudi prince using Gulf-accented Arabic and multiple phone lines, including Saudi and British numbers.
Saudi authorities are reported to have alerted Lebanese security services, prompting the arrest. Investigations are ongoing, with references to additional suspects and possible audio and video evidence documenting the impersonation.
Political researcher Nidal al-Sabaa, speaking on the Spot Shot platform, said al-Hessian had previously worked with Syrian intelligence and used his background to bolster the illusion of influence and access.
The case has taken on added sensitivity amid claims that "Abu Omar" may have played a role during Lebanon's binding parliamentary consultations to name a prime minister.
Some MPs have reportedly claimed they received "Saudi guidance" on their political choices, raising concerns that fabricated foreign instructions may have influenced constitutional processes.