Lebanon Postpones Ailing Ex-Central Banker's Hearing | Asharq Al-Awsat (SA) | 01KYSRPGQA494G1JKVCMA3VZSF

A planned court hearing for Riad Salameh, the former governor of Lebanon's central bank, was postponed Thursday after he failed to appear, citing illness. Salameh, who led the Banque du Liban from 1993 until July 2023, is the subject of numerous investigations both domestically and internationally over allegations of illicit enrichment, embezzlement, and money laundering. He has consistently denied these accusations, asserting his innocence and suggesting he is being made a scapegoat for Lebanon's severe economic downturn that began in 2019.

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He is accused of having amassed a fortune during his time in the job and has faced numerous accusations including embezzlement and tax evasion in probes in Lebanon and abroad.

The hearing was to address a complaint filed by the current bank governor, Karim Soueid, concerning alleged financial misconduct. Judicial officials had previously ordered Salameh's escort to court after his initial absence, but he reportedly fell ill en route. This follows a pattern of health-related issues impacting his legal proceedings, including a previous hearing conducted at his home due to his deteriorating condition.

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He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has insisted he is being made a "scapegoat" for the country's economic collapse, which began in 2019.

Salameh's legal troubles have escalated over the past year. He was arrested and charged in September 2024 with embezzling $44 million from the central bank, later released on record bail exceeding $14 million, with travel restrictions imposed. An international arrest warrant was also issued by French authorities in May 2023. Recent developments include the indictment of HSBC's Swiss subsidiary in Paris, suspected of aiding Salameh in embezzling funds.

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The central bank previously told AFP it was the "victim of the embezzlement of funds amounting to several hundred million euros, committed at its expense by its former governor, Mr. Riad Salameh, with the assistance of several individuals in his circle".