RAMALLAH, May 16 (JMCC) - A close aide of former Palestinian President Yasser Arafat is being sought in connection with the illegal transfer of millions of dollars,
reports the Associated Press.
Muhammed Rashid, also known as Khaled Salam, was for years the prime mover of money in the Palestinian leadership. But his is one of 85 cases currently before the anti-corruption commission - a group that has forced the resignation of two Palestinian Authority ministers.
It is the most high-profile case since the Palestinian Authority established its Anti-Corruption Commission and a special court two years ago to deal with such cases, the panel's chief, Rafik Natche, told The Associated Press.
The former financial adviser, Mohammed Rashid, is suspected of transferring millions of dollars out of the Palestinian Investment Fund and setting up fake companies, Natche said. Rashid has in the past denied wrongdoing.
Rashid left the Palestinian territories after Arafat's death in 2004 and is moving between countries, Natche said. The Palestinian foreign and justice ministries have asked several countries to extradite Rashid and freeze his assets, Natche added but declined to say which countries are involved.
Earlier, he told the Palestinian news agency Wafa that Interpol is also being asked for help.
Rashid's current whereabouts are unclear, though the Arab satellite TV station al-Arabiya has been broadcasting a series of interviews with him since last week.