The king was accused of using shell companies registered in the Caribbean to buy 15 properties, collectively worth more than $100 million, in southeast England, Washington, D C, and Malibu, California. The purchases were not illegal, but their exposure prompted accusations of double standards: The Jordanian prime minister, who was appointed by the king, announced in 2020 a crackdown on corruption that included targeting citizens who used shell companies to disguise their overseas investments. The misuse of public money, a high unemployment rate and the perceived mismanagement of the coronavirus pandemic have angered the population and increased frustration at the royal family. The king forgave the prince, who previously embarrassed the king by speaking out against government corruption, but a court later jailed two of the prince’s alleged accomplices. Abdullah is among dozens of current and former leaders whose overseas investments were exposed.

Source: bd News24 October 04, 2021 04:07 UTC