Investigation Ties to Corruption Allegations Against Central Bank Governor
A European judicial team has interrogated Lebanon’s caretaker finance minister as part of an investigation linked to corruption allegations against the country’s Central Bank governor. The questioning took place on Friday and is part of an ongoing probe involving a delegation from France, Germany, and Luxembourg, marking their third visit to Lebanon to gather information from suspects and witnesses.
Caretaker Finance Minister Youssef El Khalil was interrogated regarding his close association with Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh during his tenure at the institution before assuming his ministerial role. El Khalil worked at the Central Bank from 1982 until he became finance minister nearly two years ago, most recently serving as the executive director of its financial operations department.
On Thursday, the European delegation also questioned Raja Salameh, the governor’s brother. Following the interrogation of El Khalil, the delegation is expected to depart Lebanon, although it remains uncertain whether they will return for further questioning.
In March 2022, the three European governments involved froze over $130 million in assets linked to the investigation. Earlier this year, the delegation visited Beirut to question Salameh regarding the Central Bank’s assets, its investments abroad, and a Paris apartment owned by Raja Salameh, as well as Forry Associates Ltd, a brokerage firm owned by him.
Additionally, French authorities have previously interrogated Marwan Kheireddine, chairman of Lebanon’s AM Bank, on multiple charges, including money laundering. Reports suggest that Salameh and his associates are accused of using commercial banks to misappropriate public funds.
The 72-year-old governor has consistently denied all allegations, asserting that his wealth is derived from his prior career as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch, inherited properties, and various investments. He is also facing separate investigations by Lebanese authorities.
