Syrian 'pen seller' could lose quarter of campaign proceeds

A Syrian refugee in Lebanon who stands to receive nearly $200,000 after a viral campaign was started to support him, could lose a quarter of the funds in fees and taxes.

Abdul Halim was photographed selling pens in Beirut with his daughter in August. Soon after, Norwegian web-designer Sigur Simonarson started a crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the refugee.

But Halim could now lose up to $70,000 of his donations, the UK's The Independent newspaper reported.

The crowdfunding site Indiegogo and Paypal would normally automatically deduct fees of close to $20,000 for the campaign, although this could be waived. The Norwegian government could also deduct an additional $50,000 in tax.

Halim arrived in Beirut three years ago after fleeing from Yarmouk, Damascus, due to the civil war. Once in Lebanon he struggled to support his family and sold pens to passing motorists.

The money raised by internet users around the world has meant his two daughters, Reem, four, and Abdulliah, ten, have been able to go to school for the first time in three years.

Halim has also been able to send $20,000 back to Syria to support his family living there.

"They didn't help just me but also my family in Syria," he said.