Lebanese justice ministry formally accuses former cenbank chief of financial crimes

Lebanon’s justice ministry today formally accused former central bank Governor Riad Salameh of financial crimes, the state news agency reported according to Reuters.

Salameh, 73, was arrested on Tuesday over alleged financial crimes including illicit enrichment through public funds. He has long denied all accusations of wrongdoing.

He will remain in detention at least until a hearing is scheduled, probably next week, two judicial sources said yesterday.

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.

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