Salameh, accused of financial crimes linked to Lebanon’s economic collapse, faces charges of money laundering, And embezzlement
Beirut, Lebanon — Lebanon’s former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, was arrested on Tuesday after a three-hour judicial hearing in Beirut. Salameh, who served as the head of the central bank for 30 years, faces charges of embezzlement, money laundering, and illicit enrichment.
The arrest marks the first time Salameh has been detained by Lebanese authorities since stepping down from his position last July. He is accused of embezzling more than $40 million from the central bank. Despite these allegations, Salameh has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Salameh is also under investigation in several international jurisdictions, including France, where authorities have issued Interpol Red Notices for his arrest. His country, however, does not extradite its citizens, complicating international efforts to bring him to justice.
In addition to the domestic charges, Salameh’s assets have been frozen, and he faces sanctions from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
Earlier this year, a German court canceled an arrest warrant against him, citing the fact that he could no longer use his official position to interfere with evidence. However, the court upheld the suspicion of criminal activity against him.
Salameh’s arrest is a significant development in the ongoing investigations into the financial collapse of Lebanon, where he is widely regarded as a central figure.
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