Former Lebanese Central Bank Governor Arrested Amid Financial Crime Charges

Lebanon's former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, was arrested on Tuesday in Beirut on charges of financial crimes including money laundering and embezzlement. Despite his denials, both France and Germany had already issued arrest warrants against him. The charges relate to transactions with Optimum Invest, which maintains no illegality in its dealings.

Lebanon's former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, was apprehended on Tuesday during a judicial hearing in Beirut, according to a senior judicial source who spoke to Reuters.

Salameh faces charges in Lebanon for financial crimes such as money laundering, embezzlement, and illicit enrichment. Despite these accusations, Salameh has consistently denied any wrongdoing. Neither he nor his legal representation responded to Reuters' inquiries on Tuesday. The judicial source disclosed that Salameh's arrest occurred at Lebanon's justice palace following a hearing concerning the central bank's interactions with Optimum Invest, a Lebanese firm providing income brokerage services.

According to the source, Optimum Invest had conducted transactions with Lebanon's central bank involving the buying and selling of treasury bonds and certificates of deposit in Lebanese pounds. Optimum Invest did not respond to Reuters' requests for comments. However, an undated statement on the firm's website claimed a financial audit had revealed no signs of wrongdoing or illegal activities in its transactions with the central bank.

Salameh, 73, served as Lebanon's central bank governor for three decades before stepping down in July 2023. In his final months, both France and Germany issued arrest warrants for him on corruption charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)