Billionaire dies during penis enlargment operation

A billionaire diamond trader has passed away after he suffered complications during a penis enlargement operation.

Ehud Arye Laniado, 65, received an injection into his penis at a plastic surgeon in Paris earlier this month and died after suffering a heart attack, according to Belgian newspaper Gazet van Antwerpen.

The Belgian-Israeli dual national's company Omega Diamonds confirmed his death on Facebook, saying "farewell to a visionary businessman".

"It is with great sadness that we confirm that our founder Ehud Arye Laniado has passed away," the tribute read.

"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."

Laniado, who was known for his extravagant lifestyle, was reportedly facing a $7bn tax evasion claim.

Friends say he was was also suffering from a Napoleon complex and very self-conscious of his stature.

According to the publication, the only time he forgot about his short height was when he asked his accountant to read out his bank statement, something which he did several times a day.