Lebanon has charged its former central bank governor with illicit enrichment and issued an arrest warrant against him, marking the second such action in less than two months. The 74-year-old Riad Salameh was charged over an apartment rented in France to serve as a substitute office for the central bank if needed. The apartment, rented from his former partner for about $500,000 annually, was described as small and nearly empty, with only a few computers present.
Salameh, who has been in Lebanese custody since early September, has consistently denied allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment. He attributes his wealth to inherited properties, investments, and his previous role as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch.
