Morocco Arrests Lebanese Billionaire on Suspected Ties to Hezbollah

Kassim Tajddine, a Lebanese businessman, was arrested by Moroccan law enforcement officials in Casablanca Sunday, while he was traveling from Guinea to Beirut.

According to a News 24 report, the US Treasury believes Tajeddine has provided Hezbollah with millions of dollars via proceeds from a multinational company called Tajco. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by the US.

Tajeddine’s attorney, Chibli Mallat, who learned of the arrest from Tajeddine’s Moroccan lawyer, confirmed that there is an extradition order in the works for his client who is currently being housed in a prison in Sale. “We know there is an extradition order from the US authorities,” he said.

Asked about the conditions under which his client is being held, Mallat quoted Tejaddine’s Moroccan lawyer as saying “He is in good spirits and is treated adequately.”

As for Tajeddine’s family, according to the Daily Star, they are publicly objecting to the media’s coverage. Family attorney, Mallat, said “He was arrested and taken away, and we were left without information for about two days.”

In 2009, Tajeddine was officially marked as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist after being identified as “an important financial contributor to Hezbollah.” Then, in 2010, business owned by Tajeddine’s two brothers, Ali and Hussein, were also sanctioned. These businesses included Tajco.

According to the Daily Star report, the Tajeddine family head a multi-billion-dollar empire that stretches throughout Africa and the middle East.

Tajeddine’s son, Hussein, expressed his frustration over what he is calling “false stories” about his father. As part of the Daily Star interview, he said that “a lot of false stories are being circulated.

This might result in a negative image and a negative atmosphere that might hinder the proceedings.” He then added a message to the public from his family, saying that his father “is fine and being we-treated” by Moroccan authorities.

Mallat asserts that the Tajeddine family has cooperated fully with US authorities since their investigations began, all in an effort to have him removed from the sanctions as soon as possible. So far, Kassim Tajeddine remains on the list.

Describing his client’s level of cooperation, Mallat said “There is not one piece of information that the American government has asked for that he hasn’t given.”

Source :Morocco World News