LONDON (AFP) – The London School of Economics confirmed Tuesday it was investigating claims that Libyan leader Moamer Gaddafi’s son Saif al-Islam plagiarised his doctorate thesis.

The 38-year-old graduated from LSE with a masters in philosophy, policy and social value in 2003 and took a PhD in philosophy in 2008.

But it is alleged that he used a ghost writer and copied sections of his thesis, “The Role of Civil Society in the Democratisation of Global Governance Institutions”.

“LSE is aware that there are allegations of plagiarism concerning the PhD thesis of Saif Gaddafi,” a spokesman said.

“The school takes all allegations of plagiarism very seriously, and is looking into the matter in accordance with standard LSE procedures.”

LSE has cut its ties with Saif, whose International Charity and Development Foundation donated £1.5 million ($2.4 million, 1.8 million-euro) over five years to the school.

The LSE has only received £300,000 so far, but its director Howard Davies admitted on Monday he felt “embarrassed” about the ties with the Gaddafi family in the wake of the violent crackdown on the revolt in Libya.