Lebanon's Former Central Bank Governor Detained Amid Corruption Probes

Lebanon's former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, was detained after being questioned in multiple corruption cases. Salameh, who served for 30 years, has faced accusations of corruption, which he denies. He is under investigation by several European countries and has been sanctioned by the US, UK, and Canada.

Lebanon's controversial former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, was detained Tuesday following extensive questioning in several corruption investigations, according to judicial sources.

Salameh, who served as central bank governor for three decades starting in 1993, was once hailed for his role in Lebanon's economic recovery post-civil war. However, he left office last year amid growing allegations of financial misconduct. Despite his denials, Salameh faces scrutiny from multiple European nations and has been sanctioned by the US, UK, and Canada.

Salameh's interrogation, led by Judge Jamal Hajjar, lasted over three hours and covered a range of financial charges, including allegations that he hired a company to manipulate financial statements. Following the questioning, Salameh was transferred to a more secure prison facility. The internal and international probes into Salameh and his associates continue to unfold.

(With inputs from agencies.)