Lebanese conman Alex Tannous. ARCHIVE

A 39-year-old Lebanese man, Alex Tannous, who posed as an Emirati prince to defraud victims worldwide, was sentenced on Thursday (November 7) by a federal court in San Antonio, Texas. Tannous, who deceived investors with promises of lucrative returns from supposed Emirati projects, was handed a 20-year prison term and ordered to repay $2.2 million to his victims. Tannous falsely claimed ties with UAE royalty, attracting investments by posing as a diplomat and businessman. According to court records, he convinced investors to pay initial sums to unlock millions allegedly earmarked for business ventures in the UAE. These funds were instead used to support his opulent lifestyle, which included a residence in Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah. Belgian businessman Marc De Spiegelerie, one of Tannous’s victims, recounted losing Dh2.77 million to the scheme after meeting Tannous in Dubai. “He hosted us in his Palm Jumeirah house and claimed he was friends with the royals,” De Spiegelerie said. Similarly, Libyan investor Omar Abouhalala reported a Dh1.15 million loss, seeking legal action in Dubai courts. Tannous operated through multiple front companies, including Equico Enterprises Inc., presenting himself as an official from the UAE with access to Emirati development funds. “Tannous convinced his victims that he was offering legitimate business opportunities, when in reality, he was simply lining his own pockets,” said Special Agent Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio field office. Despite portraying himself as a “World Peace Ambassador for the UAE,” Tannous’s background was found to be fabricated, with claims of royalty and affluence exposed as part of his fraudulent persona. He was arrested in February this year, pleading guilty to one count of wire fraud in July. The FBI reported that his schemes mainly targeted small business owners. US Attorney Jaime Esparza commented, “Alex Tannous was a serial con artist who betrayed dozens of hard-working Americans.” Following his release, Tannous will serve three years of supervised custody, complete over 2,000 hours of community service, and pay restitution. ICA/Expat Media
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