Lebanese judicial authorities have indicted Riad Salameh, who served as governor of the Banque du Liban for three decades until July 2023, along with Samir Hanna, former head of Bank Audi, on allegations of financial crimes. The charges include embezzlement of tens of millions of dollars from the central bank and illicit enrichment. According to judicial sources, the accusations also encompass allegations that Hanna provided bribes to Salameh during his tenure as central bank governor.
The indictment represents an expansion of Lebanese investigations into Salameh’s conduct, as it marks the first time a commercial banker has been charged in a financial crimes case connected to the former governor. Salameh, 76 years old, has previously been indicted on separate allegations related to his time leading the central bank. He has consistently denied all accusations, characterizing himself as a “scapegoat” for Lebanon’s broader economic crisis.
Regarding custody status, Salameh was placed in detention last month after failing to appear for a scheduled hearing. He is currently receiving medical supervision at a government hospital located outside Beirut. Hanna, 88, posted a $1 million bail and remains free as financial investigations proceed. The charges follow a January announcement by current central bank Governor Karim Souaid regarding a criminal complaint filed against unnamed former central bank officials, a former banker, and a lawyer over alleged illicit enrichment connected to misuse of public funds through four offshore shell companies registered in the Cayman Islands.
Salameh faces a history of legal complications in multiple jurisdictions. He was previously detained for approximately 13 months on financial crime allegations but was released after posting bail exceeding $14 million. Additionally, he is subject to ongoing investigations in France, Switzerland, and Germany.
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