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Dubai: A Canadian national has been accused of running a swindling operation under the banner of the Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong.

The UAE Consulate General has been trying to track down Edwin Hitti, who holds a Canadian passport and has set up the Arab Chamber with the Hong Kong authorities.

The so-called Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry does not have any affiliation to any chambers of commerce or any approval from the UAE, while at the same time it has been luring Hong Kong traders to invest through it.

The Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry has issued a warning to its members, requesting its circulation among private and public business entities to warn them.

Hitti continues to advertise for his chamber to lure investors.

The UAE Consulate has told the Hong Kong authorities that it does not recognise Hitti or his organisation.

The Hong Kong authorities have said that despite their understanding, there is no material evidence to incriminate Hitti for the time being, and that they are awaiting any legal violation from his side to apprehend and charge him.

The ease of doing business in Hong Kong was the major reason behind Hitti's decision to operate from there.

Hrmmm... does the UAE own the sole rights to using the word Arab?

Don't think so.

A good case to fight as I am sure there were precedents like this.

Sounds like the UAE Chamber of Commerce could do with the services of the DFM!

There is a shortage of material for the foundations of Business Bay at the moment...



Knight

^ian^ wrote:Hrmmm... does the UAE own the sole rights to using the word Arab?

Don't think so.

wow good point

Bleakus wrote:

^ian^ wrote:Hrmmm... does the UAE own the sole rights to using the word Arab?

Don't think so.

wow good point

I think it's the deal breaking point actually. Were they calling themselves the United Arab Chamber of Commerice, or even Arab United Chamber of Commerce... perhaps... but just the word Arab? No I think it's a generic descriptor.

Afterall, Arab Sweets aren't necessarily UAE Sweets.

The Chambers of commerce around the world represent business, trade, investment opportunities, seminars, networking etc.

If "chamber of commerce" was used for the first time in the history then this guy may have a case. Unfortunately or fortunately the phrase is publicly known as a legitimate entity to conduct and provide genuine information to investor. This guy took advantage and misrepresent the function of a real chamber of commerce. Moreover, he used Arab which is another misrepresentation to the culture/business.

This is a case of "misrepresentation". And his "intention" is to CHEAT.

BabyDoll wrote:This is a case of "misrepresentation". And his "intention" is to CHEAT.

How do you know his intention is to cheat?

Sounds more like someone doesn't like a bit of competition. There is no requirement for a 'Chamber of Commerce' to be a public endorsed body. many CoC's exist purely for profiting out of networking.

^ian^ wrote:Sounds more like someone doesn't like a bit of competition. There is no requirement for a 'Chamber of Commerce' to be a public endorsed body. many CoC's exist purely for profiting out of networking.

He'd been accused of swindling. Sounds like more than profiting out of networking. He is likely to have sent out mix-signal / information about Arab countries. I just dont think he is "clean". Wait and see the verdict.

BabyDoll wrote:He'd been accused of swindling. Sounds like more than profiting out of networking. He is likely to have sent out mix-signal / information about Arab countries. I just dont think he is "clean". Wait and see the verdict.

He's been accused of swindling because he is using the word 'Arab'. The man might be of Arab descent himself and have many contacts.

^ian^ wrote:He's been accused of swindling because he is using the word 'Arab'. The man might be of Arab descent himself and have many contacts.

Lets hope so. But if he has "real" contact, he need not get himself into this trouble in the first place. Unless he doesn't have the right "wasta"

BabyDoll wrote:

^ian^ wrote:He's been accused of swindling because he is using the word 'Arab'. The man might be of Arab descent himself and have many contacts.

Lets hope so. But if he has "real" contact, he need not get himself into this trouble in the first place. Unless he doesn't have the right "wasta"

yes, 'Edwin' is a very Arabic name...



Edwin Knight

Firms warned over Canadian swindler

Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) yesterday warned businessmen and companies to avoid falling victims to Canadian swindler Edwin Hitti of Lebanese origin.

He claims that he is a representative of Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong and ghost companies in China.

He also claims to be establishing an Islamic legal council. BCCI said it has received a warning letter from the General Federation of Arab Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture calling for a ban on dealings with the impostor.

BCCI said he calls himself Lord Edwin Hitti and is known for suspicious projects and many lawsuits have been filed against him.

He has also launched a website for a ghost company "Al Missaly Petro Logistics".

He has applied for registration with the Islamic Index at Hong Kong Exchange. His application has not yet been approved.

AND

http://www.prbuzz.com/arabcham-meets-ch ... -7653.html