DEARBORN, MI (WXYZ) — The American Arab Chamber of Commerce has terminated Executive Director Bilal Hammoud after saying certain organizational funds could not be accounted for, launching an independent investigation into the matter.
Sources familiar with the matter say Hammoud is accused of misappropriating more than $1 million from the chamber. The organization has not publicly disclosed an amount.
In a statement, the chamber said it terminated Hammoud effective immediately, has retained a law firm to conduct an independent investigation, secured its accounts against any further losses, and is cooperating with authorities.
Learn more about the investigation in the video player below
Arab American News publisher Osama Siblani said the news has rattled the Metro Detroit Arab American community.
"We're shocked. The community is in total shock. I received many text messages and calls, and people do not understand what's going on with the chamber," Siblani said.
Among those following the investigation is Samantha Barish, founder of The Practice Collective, a Metro Detroit co-working and shared office space for mental health providers. A chamber grant helped launch her business.
"We received $5,000 grant, we used to be able to develop our website and branding. And it has been such a game changer for building our brand and for people to know who we are and how to find us," Barish said.
Barish said she hopes the investigation brings clarity.
"I hope it's not true and I hope that it's not actually what's occurred and that the investigation will be able to help us know what's going on so that businesses like mine can continue to get the funds that they need," Barish said.
The investigation is also renewing memories of another high-profile case involving a former chamber leader. Earlier this year, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel charged former chamber director Faye Beydoun with multiple felonies tied to the alleged misuse of $20 million. According to court records, Beydoun originally sought the funding while affiliated with the chamber before later establishing her own organization to administer the grant. Beydoun has denied wrongdoing and that case remains pending.
Siblani said the latest allegations raise broader questions about oversight within the organization.
"I think that we really need accountability. This is the second time that happens in a different way, but somehow the same way. Funds missing or funds misappropriated," Siblani said.
"If this happened for a long time, why was it not discovered? So there is a lack of accountability or even responsibilities in the chamber," Siblani said.
Barish said the potential impact on the community could be significant.
"I think it would be a huge impact on the community. And I believe that the chamber does beautiful things for us. And I would be really disappointed to see if there were any impacts on the American Arab Chamber of Commerce," Barish said.
Hammoud did not respond to a request for comment. The chamber says its programs and services will continue without interruption during the investigation and that it plans to provide members, partners, and the public a full accounting once the investigation is complete.
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