Lebanon Ex-Central Banker Riad Salameh Transferred to Prison Amid Embezzlement Charges

Former Lebanese central bank governor Riad Salameh was moved to prison on Saturday, following his hospitalization under police guard. A judicial official confirmed Salameh's admission among detainees after a judge ordered his transfer. His health will be closely monitored, with provisions for necessary medical treatment or hospital transfers. Salameh had been scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to face embezzlement accusations brought by the current central bank governor, Karim Soueid. These charges include illicit enrichment and money laundering. His failure to appear led to a judge ordering his escort to court. Salameh initially opted to go voluntarily but fell ill en route, causing the hearing's postponement. Later that day, when Salameh could not be located at the hospital or his registered addresses, the judge issued a new order for his apprehension for questioning. Security forces located him at a hospital outside Beirut, prompting the judge on Friday to order reinforced security measures and place him in custody. An earlier hearing in his home occurred last month due to his declining health. The central bank has stated it is a victim of embezzlement totaling hundreds of millions of euros, allegedly committed by Salameh with associates. Salameh, who led the bank from 1993 to July 2023, is accused of amassing wealth during his tenure and faces multiple investigations in Lebanon and abroad. He has consistently denied all accusations, asserting he is being made a scapegoat for the country's economic crisis, which began in 2019.

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will remain under close observation, and should his condition require medical treatment or transfer to a hospital, the appropriate legal and medical measures will be taken as necessary