Lebanon's Salameh to remain in detention until hearing is scheduled, sources say

Former Lebanese central bank chief Riad Salameh, who was arrested yesterday over alleged financial crimes, will remain in detention until a hearing is scheduled, likely next week, two judicial sources told Reuters today.

After he is interrogated, the presiding judge can decide whether to keep him in detention, the sources said, adding that no decision had yet been taken on the matter.

Salameh, 73, was the Bank Governor for 30 years but his final months were marred by charges of financial crimes, including illicit enrichment through public funds by authorities in Lebanon and several other countries.

One judicial source said the specific charges that led to his arrest on Tuesday were embezzlement, money-laundering and fraud as part of commissions earned through the Central Bank’s dealings with Optimum Invest between 2015-2018, a Lebanese firm that offers income brokerage services.

Salameh has previously denied any accusations of financial crimes.

Despite facing charges in Lebanon, arrest warrants in France and Germany and an Interpol Red Notice, Salameh had never been apprehended.

READ: Lebanon ex-Central Bank chief Riad Salameh arrested over financial crimes