Jean Nassif living large in Lebanon, spotted with mystery woman while wanted by police

Wanted Sydney property developer Jean Nassif has been spotted wining and dining a mystery woman at one of Lebanon’s most expensive restaurants.

Wanted Sydney property developer Jean Nassif has been spotted wining and dining a mystery woman at one of Lebanon’s most expensive restaurants.

The failed businessman, whose property development company collapsed last year leaving debts of more than $1 billion and 20,000 homeowners affected, emerged from his hide-out for dinner at ritzy Babel in Beirut.

Onlookers inside the high-end establishment said Nassif, 56, and his brunette companion arrived on Wednesday night in a convoy of cars with blacked out windows, where they were then escorted inside by a security detail.

“It was like someone famous or very important had arrived,” one diner told The Daily Telegraph.

Jean Nassif (left, background) in a restaurant in Lebanon called Babel. Picture: Supplied

Jean Nassif (left) with his father. Picture: Instagram

The pair was then ushered to a private corner of the restaurant which boasts an “exquisite culinary offering and dining experience”, according to its website.

Nassif, who is known for his largesse and spare no expense taste could have dined on local lobster for $AUD220 or fish of the day at $180.

But if bankruptcy has really taken hold, there was the octopus Provencale for $38 the couple could have shared, along with a side salad for $15.

It is the first time Nassif has been seen out and about since he fled Sydney in December 2022, just months before his company Top Place collapsed, making it the largest property collapse in Australia’s history.

The fact he is wanted by NSW Police on an outstanding warrant for fraud offences didn’t dampen Nassif’s spirits, as onlookers reported he left the restaurant and headed to the nearby Casino Du Liban where he is considered a VIP client.

Toplace founder Jean Nassif who was recently pictured in hospital in Lebanon in July last year appears to be on the mend.

High profile property developer Jean Nassif Picture: Liam Mendes

Detectives from the organised crime squad were granted the warrant in July last year in relation to fraud charges. They allege Nassif was involved in falsifying sales contracts to secure a $150 million Westpac loan for the Skyview development in Castle Hill.

Days after the warrant was issued, photographs of Nassif lying in a hospital bed in Lebanon emerged, where he claimed he was being treated for “stress, anxiety and depression”.

He claimed at the time to “fix the mess” he had caused as soon as he was well enough.

That was the last Nassif was seen or heard from, making it difficult for authorities to find him as he moved between Singapore, South East Asia and Lebanon.

Jean Nassif and his now estranged wife Nissy. Picture: Instagram

Jean Nassif and Nissy in happier times. Picture: Instagram

Nassif’s estranged wife Nissy Mattar revealed last year the failed businessman had refused to pay any money towards their three primary school age children’s care or education.

Ms Mattar said she had been forced to borrow money from family and friends to buy groceries.

“He has stopped paying for food for them, petrol, bills, education, medical – all child necessities, yet all while he’s lying to people saying he’s still paying,” she said at the time.

She remains in the family’s waterfront home in Chiswick, but said it was only a matter of time until administrators evict her and the children.

On Friday, police said Nassif is still wanted. An Interpol red notice means he will be arrested if he lands in Australia, but a lack of extradition treaty with Lebanon means authorities are limited in what they can do while he is in his home country.

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