BY PAUL O’DONOGHUE, Senior Correspondent
LUXEMBOURG has issued an international appeal for public assistance in locating one of its high-priority fugitives, 57 year old Philippe Stanislas Antoine Wasila.
Europol said he is accused of defrauding investors of €5.4 million between 2013 and 2014 by falsely presenting himself as a successful businessman and lawyer.
His profile is now featured on the EU Most Wanted website,
Luxembourg authorities issued European and international arrest warrants for Wasila on April 17.
Europol said Wasila persuaded numerous investors to entrust him with funds, ‘promising to channel their money into profitable projects’.
‘However, investigations have revealed that no such reinvestments occurred,’ the organization said.
‘Instead, the suspect allegedly established a complex network of opaque companies and foreign bank accounts to misappropriate the funds, which he used to finance his lavish personal lifestyle.’
Wasila, a French citizen, lived in Luxembourg for many years and is fluent in multiple languages, including English, French, German, and Italian. Europol’s website shows mugshots that appear to come from his social media profiles. His last public Facebook post was on October 11.
On LinkedIn, Wasila’s profile picture features him on a private jet holding a glass of champagne. He lists himself as a senior partner at “Xasteria Finance S.A.”, a supposed mergers and acquisitions firm.
His Instagram profile describes him as a polo enthusiast and car racer, adding that he remains a romantic who “still hopes Bambi makes it out of the fire.”
Europol said anyone with information can submit it anonymously via the EU Most Wanted website. They can also contact Luxembourg’s Fugitive Active Search Team unit at fast.lux@police.etat.lu or by phone at +352 244 605555.
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