Lebanon has charged former central bank governor Riad Salameh with embezzling $42 million, according to judicial officials. Salameh, 73, was charged by the Financial Public Prosecution following his detention and interrogation by Lebanon's top public prosecutor over several alleged financial crimes. His case has now been transferred to an investigating judge. Salameh, who ended his 30-year tenure as central bank governor a year ago, has been the subject of investigations by several European countries over alleged financial misconduct. Despite his denials of corruption and illicit enrichment, many in Lebanon hold him responsible for the country's ongoing financial crisis, which began in late 2019. Salameh, who served as central bank governor since 1993, was initially praised for guiding Lebanon's economy through difficult periods, including the aftermath of the civil war. However, his reputation has been tarnished by allegations of financial mismanagement and corruption. During his recent interrogation, Salameh was questioned about his alleged role in hiring a company called Optimum, which reportedly manipulated financial statements and facilitated the embezzlement of funds from the central bank. Evidence presented to the public prosecution included bank statements and financial documents implicating Salameh. The former governor is also facing multiple cases locally and internationally. France, Germany, and Luxembourg are investigating him and his associates for alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering involving $330 million. The U.S., U.K., and Canada have sanctioned Salameh, and France has issued an international arrest warrant, though Lebanon does not extradite its citizens. Lebanon is currently without a permanent central bank governor, with Vice Governor Wassim Mansouri serving as the acting head. The country remains in a severe financial crisis, further compounded by a political vacuum, as it has been without a president for nearly two years and is governed by a caretaker Cabinet with limited powers. — Agencies
