A Lebanese national, Alex Georges Tannous, 39, from Ain-Akrine, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a wire fraud scheme that duped victims out of approximately $2.5 million. The sentencing took place in a federal court in San Antonio, following Tannous’ guilty plea to one count of wire fraud on July 25.
Court documents revealed that Tannous posed as a Dubai prince tasked with bringing U.S.-based businesses to Dubai markets, convincing victims that millions in funds were available but required an initial payment from them. The funds, however, were used to finance his opulent lifestyle and that of his family.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas emphasized the betrayal of trust, stating, “Alex Tannous was a serial con-artist who betrayed dozens of hard-working Americans in San Antonio and elsewhere… Fraudsters who see this nation and its citizens as targets for their illicit schemes should know that we will stop at nothing.”
Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio office highlighted the impact of Tannous’ actions, noting, “Many of his victims were small business owners trying to live the American dream, but instead they were pulled into a financial nightmare.”
Tannous was arrested in February and initially faced six counts of wire fraud. Besides the prison term, he was ordered to pay $2.2 million in restitution. The FBI led the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons prosecuting the case.
