Former Central Bank Chief Riad Salameh Accused of Financial Crimes

Lebanese judicial authorities have accused former central bank chief Riad Salameh of financial crimes worth over $110 million involving brokerage firm Optimum Invest. Salameh, aged 73, was arrested but has not responded to requests for comment. Optimum's CEO denied any wrongdoing after a recent audit.

Lebanese judicial authorities have charged former central bank chief Riad Salameh with financial crimes, alleging that he accrued over $110 million through illicit dealings with Lebanese brokerage firm Optimum Invest.

Salameh, 73, was taken into custody on these charges. He has not responded to Reuters' repeated requests for comments.

Meanwhile, Optimum's CEO stated that an audit conducted in late 2023 showed no evidence of illegal activity or misconduct in their transactions with the central bank.

(With inputs from agencies.)