Qatar’s billionaire sheikh who owns $400 million plane gifted to president trump faces corruption allegations
A high-profile Qatari royal who owns the $400 million Boeing 747-8 jet reportedly gifted to Donald Trump is facing legal turmoil.
Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani—known globally as HBJ—is embroiled in a $20 million legal dispute with an Irish developer over luxury hotel deals
Qatar’s Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim sued for hotel fraud in US
Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim, a former Qatari prime minister and billionaire, has been sued in a Los Angeles federal court by hotel magnate Paddy McKillen.
The lawsuit alleges that HBJ and other Qatari royals orchestrated a racketeering scheme to cheat McKillen out of payments for his development work.
The lawsuit says Hamad recruited McKillen to manage and expand several luxury properties, including the Maybourne Hotel Group and a new London project called The Emory.
He claims the Qataris later refused to pay him for services rendered, breaching earlier financial agreements.
$20 million rico suit targets qatari royals for unpaid luxury development work
McKillen’s firm, Hume Street Management Consultants (HSMC), filed the $20 million claim under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act.
The suit names HBJ, former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, and current Emir’s sister Sheikha Lulwah bint Hamad Al Thani.
The complaint says the royals misled McKillen into investing time and resources into upgrades for four luxury hotels, only to deny compensation.
He was also allegedly removed from the Maybourne board in 2022 without notice, ending a years-long business relationship.
McKillen’s attorney, Michael Gottlieb, argued the Qataris believed “they were above the law because of their wealth and power.”
He vowed his client would pursue justice and full repayment.
Sheikh Hamad, jet owner, faces ongoing controversy
Sheikh Hamad, worth an estimated $4 billion, has long been a controversial figure.
A Washington think tank once branded him the “Thief of Doha,” citing his alleged role in corrupt deals, including Qatar’s 2022 World Cup bid.
He also stirred global backlash in 2023 over antisemitic comments in a Kuwaiti interview, suggesting Jewish control over oil markets would drive prices to extremes.
These incidents have sparked concern about his influence and wealth.
The Boeing 747-8 jet linked to HBJ, dubbed a “flying palace,” is now reported to be a gift to Donald Trump. The aircraft’s tail number still features HBJ’s initials, aviation records confirm.
Luxury hotels in london, france, and new york cited in court battle
The lawsuit details McKillen’s alleged contributions to major developments including:
The Emory, a London all-suite hotel near Hyde Park. The Maybourne Riviera in France, a luxury resort near Monaco.
A $47 million Manhattan mansion owned by HBJ.
All projects were reportedly part of McKillen’s broader portfolio, which he managed on behalf of Qatari ownership.
Additionally, the court documents assert he was never paid fairly for his oversight and creative vision
The Qatari sheikh legal dispute over $20 million in unpaid luxury hotel fees shines a light on Qatar’s elite controversies.
As Sheikh HBJ gifts a $400 million jet to President Trump, his legal and ethical challenges continue to attract attention.
This case reflects the complex intersection of global wealth, politics, and high-stakes real estate disputes involving Qatar’s royal family