Lebanon ex‑central bank governor Riad Salameh arrested, transferred to hospital

Former Lebanese central bank governor Riad Salameh was arrested on 31 July after failing to appear for a judicial hearing. Police located him at Bhannes Hospital north of Beirut and placed him under police guard. He was later moved from Roumieh Prison to Dahr el‑Bachek Hospital for heart and respiratory examinations, where he has refused treatment and begun a hunger strike, prompting concerns over his deteriorating health.

Salameh faces a complaint filed by current governor Karim Souaid accusing him of embezzlement, illicit enrichment and money‑laundering linked to suspicious transactions involving the central bank and companies tied to his family. The investigation also covers alleged commissions paid to the family‑controlled firm Forry Associates and related assets seized across Europe. His arrest and health issues have intensified public calls for accountability amid Lebanon’s prolonged economic crisis.