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Lebanon's ex-central bank governor Riad Salameh transferred from hospital to prison in corruption case
Riad Salameh, who served as Lebanon's central bank governor for 30 years, was taken from hospital and placed in Roumieh Prison as part of his trial on embezzlement and money laundering charges exceeding $260 million.
Riad Salameh, who served as Lebanon's central bank governor for 30 years, was taken from hospital and transferred to Roumieh Prison near the capital Beirut due to his trial on corruption and embezzlement charges.
Lebanon's official news agency NNA reported that Salameh was taken from Bahnes Hospital to prison and placed in detention on the orders of Appeals Prosecutor Ahmed Rami al-Haj. Officials said Salameh's health condition would be monitored and legal and medical steps would be taken if necessary.
Court process and health issue
Salameh was expected to appear in court on Thursday on charges of embezzlement, illicit enrichment and money laundering exceeding $260 million, following a complaint by current central bank governor Karim Said on January 8. However, the session was postponed after he fell ill on his way to court.
After the postponement, the prosecution determined that Salameh had not gone to a hospital emergency room and could not be found at his three registered addresses, so it issued an arrest warrant and ruled that he had fled justice. Salameh, who was found to be at a hospital outside Beirut, was taken into secure custody and then transferred to prison.
Long tenure and ongoing charges
Riad Salameh served as Lebanon's central bank governor from 1993 to July 2023. He is accused of amassing wealth illegally during his tenure, along with numerous charges including embezzlement and tax evasion. Investigations are ongoing both in Lebanon and abroad.
Salameh was arrested in September 2024 on charges of "embezzlement of public funds" and "forgery," and was released the following year on bail of over $14 million. He had not appeared in court since then. Last month, a preliminary interrogation was conducted at his home after his health deteriorated.
The 76-year-old Salameh denies all charges and argues that he is being made a "scapegoat" to blame him for the economic collapse that has been ongoing since 2019.
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