Riad Salameh indicted in Lebanon for financial crimes
A Lebanese judge has indicted former central bank governor Riad Salameh and former Bank Audi head Samir Hanna on charges including embezzlement, money laundering, bribery, and illicit enrichment. The indictment follows a criminal complaint filed by the current central bank governor, Karim Souaid, regarding the misuse of public funds.
The charges allege that Salameh and Hanna used shell companies to misappropriate central bank funds to fraudulently purchase shares and bonds from commercial banks. The Swiss foundation Accountability Now reported that the suspected embezzlement includes $154 million in 2010 and $102 million in 2012.
Salameh, who led the central bank for three decades, is currently in custody at a government hospital outside Beirut after missing a recent hearing. He has denied all wrongdoing. Samir Hanna, who recently resigned from Bank Audi, has paid $1 million in bail and remains free pending further investigation. Salameh also faces multiple international investigations in France, Switzerland, Germany, and Luxembourg.
Entities
Bank Audi · Banque du Liban · Karim Souaid · Raja Hamouche · Riad Salameh · Samir Hanna · Samir Hna
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The indictment includes accusations that Samir Hanna bribed Riad Salameh during his tenure as central bank governor. jack1065.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Swiss foundation Accountability Now stated the indictment covers suspected embezzlement of $154 million in 2010 and $102 million in 2012. jack1065.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The accusations include setting up shell companies, misappropriating central bank funds, and using those funds to fraudulently purchase shares and bonds. kuwaitnews.com · www.newarab.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A Lebanese judge indicted former central bank governor Riad Salameh and former Bank Audi head Samir Hanna. jack1065.com · kuwaitnews.com · www.newarab.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Current central bank governor Karim Souaid filed a criminal complaint in January regarding alleged illicit enrichment through misuse of public funds. jack1065.com · kuwaitnews.com · www.newarab.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Salameh faces ongoing investigations in France, Switzerland, Germany, and Luxembourg. jack1065.com · kuwaitnews.com · www.newarab.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Riad Salameh has denied all allegations of wrongdoing. jack1065.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] Former Bank Audi head Samir Hanna paid $1 million in bail and is not in custody. jack1065.com · kuwaitnews.com · www.newarab.com