Billionaire Diamond Trader Dies at 65

Ehud Arye Laniad, a billionaire diamond trader, has died at age 65, the Toronto Sun reports.

He suffered a heart attack during a cosmetic surgical procedure in Paris.

Laniad reportedly died in the operating room.

His company, Omega Diamonds, said in a statement: “After living an exceptional life Ehud will be brought back home to Israel as his final resting place. He will be dearly missed by us all.”

Omega is based in Antwerp.

Laniad’s LinkedIn profile describes him as “chairman of diamond businesses spanning mining, exploration, rough and polished diamond valuation, trading, manufacturing, retail and consultancy services.” It states that he was principal at Mercury Diamond.

The Sun reports that the Israeli-Belgian “began his career as a masseuse in Tel Aviv before seeking his fortune in Africa where he developed a keen eye for priceless gems.”

Read more at the Toronto Sun