#466 | Adnan Khashoggi | The Richest Man On Earth?
Apr 25, 2024
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Explore the intriguing life of Adnan Khashoggi, the 'Great Gatsby of The Middle East'. From exaggerated wealth to lavish spending, arms deals, opulent lifestyle, financial downfall, and controversial legacy. Contrasting lives of Adnan and Jamal Khashoggi, implications of wealth and power.
Adnan Khashoggi brokered lucrative arms deals between the West and Saudi Arabia, earning massive commissions.
Khashoggi's opulent lifestyle and financial downfall exemplify the complexities and consequences of extreme wealth.
Deep dives
Adnan Kishoggi: The Great Gatsby of the Middle East
Adnan Kishoggi, a businessman and arms dealer, garnered fame as the 'Great Gatsby of the Middle East' for his extravagant lifestyle and riches. Initially hailed as the richest man on earth, Kishoggi's opulent living style included yachts, private airplanes, and royal acquaintances. Despite his reputed wealth, financial troubles arose, raising questions about the true extent of his riches and the mysterious disappearance of his fortune.
Kishoggi's Venture into Arms Dealing
Adnan Kishoggi capitalized on his connections and dual cultural understanding to broker lucrative deals between Western arms companies and the Saudi government. Acting as an intermediary facilitated significant arms transactions, earning Kishoggi substantial commissions, reportedly reaching $150 million with Lockheed. However, revelations of bribery scandals tarnished his reputation, shedding light on the murky dealings in the arms trade.
Financial Downfall and Legacy
Kishoggi's ill-fated investments and lavish spending led to financial ruin, marked by legal troubles, including fraud charges and extradition attempts. Despite never declaring bankruptcy officially, creditors pursued him relentlessly until his death in 2017. The shadow of controversy looms over Kishoggi's legacy, contrasting his luxurious past with a tumultuous and ultimately tragic descent.
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He became known as “The Great Gatsby of The Middle East”, and once claimed to be the richest man on Earth.
From facilitating lucrative business deals between the West and Saudi Arabia to his lavish lifestyle and controversial ventures, in this episode, we'll explore the intriguing life of Adnan Khashoggi.
Adnan Khashoggi: businessman, arms dealer, "The Great Gatsby of The Middle East"
Wealth exaggerated: $10bn fortune, luxurious lifestyle, major debts
Background: born in Saudi Arabia, privileged upbringing, early business ventures
Connection: broker between West and Saudi Arabia, arms deals
Lockheed ties: agent for arms sales, earned $150 million