Exposed: A fallen dictator's ill-gotten gains

GAMMARTH, Tunisia - Agents of rich Gulf collectors, lovers of luxury and those simply curious to see the ill-gotten gains of the Ben Ali clan were among those drawn to a sale of the deposed Tunisian despot's assets that began on Dec 23.

"We're here out of curiosity, to see the size of the scam this country suffered from," said Mehdi, 25, visiting the exhibition with his uncle, a car enthusiast.

"It feels like voyeurism," he added, saying that he felt "uneasy in front of all this luxury that is insulting to ordinary Tunisians struggling to get by."

The former belongings of Ben Ali and 114 of his relatives are going under the hammer in the chic Tunisian resort of Gammarth, in an auction due to last one month and from which the cash-strapped government hopes to raise millions of euros.

- AFP

Tunisian Prime minister Hamadi Jebali (C) listens to an organiser while looking at a display of jewellery and watches that once belonged to ousted Tunisian dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at an auction in the Tunis suburb of Gammarth on December 22, 2012.

Animal statues of solid gold, crystal horses and an 80-centimetre-high (32-inch) silver olive tree feature among the lots.

Most of the works of art, ornaments, furniture, and some of the carpets on offer will be sold to the highest bidder, with no item thought to be worth less than 5,000 euros.

“Around 100 people attended the opening, pretty busy for a Sunday. It’s a good crowd,” said Affef Douss, in charge of organising the event for the finance ministry.

The collection of 39 luxury cars, only half of which were on display, was of particular interest to an agent acting on behalf of a Saudi prince.

A Porsche belonging to a daughter of Tunisia's deposed ruler Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, is seen parked in the grounds of the National Guard barracks in the capital Tunis on October 5, 2012.