The arrest comes after the chief prosecutor questioned Salameh about a number of monetary issues, judicial officers stated.
Former Lebanese central financial institution governor Riad Salameh has been arrested after a listening to on the nation’s courthouse, Lebanese state media reported.
The state-run Nationwide Information Company (NNA) stated Choose Jamal al-Hajjar, who serves as public prosecutor, detained Salameh, 73, after questioning him on Tuesday.
It’s the first time Salameh has appeared earlier than Lebanon’s judiciary since he left workplace on the finish of July final yr and not using a successor.
Salameh was governor of the central financial institution, the Banque du Liban, for 30 years, however his remaining months had been marred by accusations of monetary crimes, together with illicit enrichment with public funds, by authorities in Lebanon and several other different nations.
He’s wished by French authorities for alleged monetary crimes and Interpol has issued “crimson notices” towards him. Lebanon doesn’t extradite its residents.
Many in Lebanon have accused him of being liable for the nation’s monetary disaster since late 2019.
Salameh has repeatedly denied allegations of corruption, embezzlement and illicit enrichment. He insists his wealth comes from inherited property, investments and his former job as an funding banker at Merrill Lynch.
Salameh was questioned by al-Hajjar for greater than three hours on Tuesday, the Related Press reported, citing three judicial officers who spoke on situation of anonymity as a result of they weren’t approved to debate the case with the media.
Salameh was questioned about a number of monetary issues, together with a case through which he allegedly employed an organization known as Optimum to control monetary statements and conceal Lebanon’s large monetary losses.
Officers stated Lebanese Inner Safety Forces have moved Salameh to a safer jail, however didn’t disclose additional particulars. He’s anticipated to stay in custody whereas being questioned.
“The judiciary has made its resolution. We respect its resolution,” stated the interim Minister of Justice, Choose Henry Khoury.
Interim Prime Minister Najib Mikati informed pan-Arab broadcaster Al-Hadath that the federal government won’t intervene within the case.
