Lebanon to question Central Bank Governor Salameh on Aug. 5

Beirut, Jul 20 (Prensa Latina) Lebanese Judge Jean Tannous will question Central Bank (Banque du Liban) Governor Riad Salameh on August 5 on suspicions of embezzlement, money laundering and tax evasion.

July 20, 2021
07:17

Salameh, who has been in charge of the Central Bank since 1993, is also facing charges in Switzerland, France and the United Kingdom.

The investigation opened in Lebanon responds to a request from Swiss Attorney General’s Office that brought a probe into alleged US$ 300 million embezzlement by Salameh and his brother.

Judge Tannous is planning to question Salameh on charges of embezzlement, forgery, unjust enrichment, money laundering and tax evasion, according to a judicial source.

Local specialists hold Salameh accountable for the Lebanon´s ongoing financial plight, although there has been so far no serious accusation on that ground or calls for him to be removed from his position.

In people´s perception, Salameh’s banking schemes aided to enrich a ruling class that still remains in power.

pgh/Pll/ode / arc