Malaysia's Bogus 'Billionaire' Held
Greg Norman
Aljazeera.net, Qatar
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Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia):
A mysterious Lebanese businessman, who shocked Malaysia when he pledged $275 million to a cancer association, has been arrested on suspicion of a number of financial offences.
Elie Yusuf Najem, who has previously claimed to be worth $45 billion and to have built the Penang Bridge was seized at his home by police late on Sunday afternoon.
Malaysia's Star newspaper reported that Najem owed workers unpaid wages totalling 360,000 ringgit ($95,000).
He is also rumoured to owe thousands of dollars in unpaid bills.The 45-year old was due to appear before a judge on Monday suspected of "cheating", a legal term that covers numerous financial crimes.
''Dr Elie'', as Najem has been dubbed locally, provoked furious media speculation and a flurry of police complaints when earlier this month he declared he was going to donate $275 million to the National Cancer Council (Makna).
Jan 17, 2006
Greg Norman
Aljazeera.net, Qatar
_______________
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia):
A mysterious Lebanese businessman, who shocked Malaysia when he pledged $275 million to a cancer association, has been arrested on suspicion of a number of financial offences.
Elie Yusuf Najem, who has previously claimed to be worth $45 billion and to have built the Penang Bridge was seized at his home by police late on Sunday afternoon.
Malaysia's Star newspaper reported that Najem owed workers unpaid wages totalling 360,000 ringgit ($95,000).
He is also rumoured to owe thousands of dollars in unpaid bills.The 45-year old was due to appear before a judge on Monday suspected of "cheating", a legal term that covers numerous financial crimes.
''Dr Elie'', as Najem has been dubbed locally, provoked furious media speculation and a flurry of police complaints when earlier this month he declared he was going to donate $275 million to the National Cancer Council (Makna).
Jan 17, 2006
