Salameh hospitalized under police guard, considered 'in custody'

Former Lebanese central bank governor Riad Salameh is currently hospitalized under police guard, a day after failing to appear for a court hearing concerning alleged embezzlement and illicit enrichment. A judicial official confirmed that Salameh is considered "in custody" as authorities reinforce security measures at the hospital where he is staying.

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to reinforce measures in the wing where Salameh is staying

Salameh was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday following a complaint filed by the new central bank governor, Karim Soueid. The accusations include embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and money laundering. When Salameh did not attend the hearing, a judge ordered his escort to court. However, he reportedly fell ill en route, leading to the postponement of the initial hearing.

Further complicating matters, Salameh could not be located at the hospital or his registered addresses later on Thursday. This prompted the judge to issue another order for security forces to find him and bring him in for questioning. After he was located at a hospital outside Beirut, the judge on Friday directed security forces to increase measures around his hospital wing and entrances, officially placing him in custody.

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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.

Salameh, who led the central bank from 1993 to July 2023, faces numerous accusations in Lebanon and abroad, including embezzlement and tax evasion. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, asserting he is being made a scapegoat for Lebanon's economic collapse, which began in 2019. The central bank has stated it is the "victim of the embezzlement of funds amounting to several hundred million euros" allegedly committed by Salameh.

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scapegoat