The fall of Macron and Hollande's Syrian 'friend'

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He has been variously described as a “billionaire, a “peacemaker” and a key figure in “inter-faith dialogue”. For ten years French political and religious leaders have rolled out the red carpet for Mohamad Izzat Khatab, a Syrian businessman whose past is shrouded in mystery. According to an investigation by Mediapart, this fan of selfies taken with the rich and powerful has just been placed under investigation in relation to a vast fraud case. Antton Rouget reports.

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From the photos, nothing could be clearer: Mohamad Izzat Khatab rubs shoulders with powerful people. The Syrian businessman's selfies with heads of state are proof; he has even used them for his business card.