US EditionLebanon’s Ex-Central Bank Chief Accused of Corruption Released on $14 Million Bail
Riad Salameh faces charges of embezzling $42 million and illicit enrichment linked to a French apartment amid Lebanon's ongoing economic crisis, officials said.
- Lebanon's former central bank chief, Riad Salameh, was released on $14 million bail on a Friday after a year in jail awaiting corruption trial.
- Salameh, who ended his 30-year governorship in 2023, faces charges including embezzlement of $42 million and illicit enrichment tied to a French apartment rental.
- His lawyer Marc Habka reported Salameh's poor health, affirmed presenting evidence proving innocence, and emphasized the Lebanese people's right to know the truth.
- The bail was the highest in Lebanese history, included a travel ban, and Salameh denies wrongdoing, claiming to be a scapegoat and attributing his wealth to private investments.
- Salameh's release marks a key step amid ongoing local and international criminal probes linked to Lebanon’s financial crisis that began in late 2019 and devastated depositors.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Lebanese Ex-Banking Chief Set for Release Amid Financial Scandal
Former Lebanese central bank governor Riad Salameh is to be released on bail after nearly 13 months in detention over alleged financial misconduct. Salameh, once a pivotal banking figure, faces ongoing legal battles over embezzlement charges. He is prohibited from leaving Lebanon for a year.
Al-Monitor
The Straits TimesLebanon to release former central bank governor Salameh on bail
BEIRUT (Reuters) -Lebanese authorities will on Friday release former central bank governor Riad Salameh, who posted a record-high bail after nearly 13 months in detention over alleged financial crimes committed during his tenure, a Lebanese judicial source said.Once viewed as the linchpin of the banking system, Salameh, 74, saw his standing crumble as a 2019 meltdown of the sector he oversaw impoverished Lebanese depositors and froze most out of…
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