Lebanon has indicted former central bank Governor Riad Salameh and Samir Hanna, the former head of Lebanon’s Bank Audi, on accusations of financial crimes including embezzlement and illicit enrichment.

According to judicial sources cited by Reuters and AFP, a judge has accused Salameh and Hanna of embezzling tens of millions of dollars from the Banque du Liban, Lebanon’s central bank. Hanna, aged 88, paid a $1 million bail and remains out of custody as investigations continue.

Salameh, who led the central bank for three decades, has previously been indicted and arrested in Lebanon over other alleged financial crimes during his tenure. He was detained for about 13 months but was released after paying a record bail exceeding $14 million.

The new charges come amid ongoing scrutiny of Lebanon’s financial sector. Lebanon’s new central bank governor has announced plans for reforms to address the country’s economic challenges. Meanwhile, the former central bank chief has been sanctioned by the US, UK, and Canada.

Sources