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.
In early September, Salameh was charged with embezzling $42 million, a day after his detention. His 30-year tenure as central bank governor ended a year ago amidst various investigations into financial crimes by several European countries. Many in Lebanon hold him responsible for the severe financial crisis that has plagued the country since late 2019.
Salameh faces multiple legal challenges both domestically and internationally. France, Germany, and Luxembourg are investigating him and his associates for alleged illicit enrichment and money laundering totaling $330 million. Salameh has criticized these investigations, labeling them as part of a media and political campaign to make him a scapegoat.
Furthermore, the U.S., the U.K, and Canada have imposed sanctions on Salameh and his close associates, while France has issued an international arrest warrant against him. However, Lebanon does not extradite its citizens.
