Anti-corruption examining magistrates based in Paris were officially entrusted with the investigation against the governor of the Banque du Liban Riad Salamé, announced this Friday, July 16, the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office. This news comes following 2 complaints for money laundering in an organized gang and criminal association filed by the Swiss foundation Accountability Now, on the one hand, and, on the other, by the NGO Sherpa and the Collective of victims of fraudulent practices and criminals in Lebanon
Similar complaints have also been filed in Switzerland and Great Britain. Others could still follow in the United States.
This decision follows a preliminary investigation which may have identified certain anomalies in the accounts and assets of the governor of the Banque du Liban. This new procedure could therefore allow the investigation to be extended, notably at the international level within the European framework, but also to transmit requests for information to the Lebanese judicial authorities. Eventually, assets could even be seized or frozen.
On the governor’s side, he could benefit, just like the complaining parties, from information concerning the proceedings in progress and the facts complained of.
In addition to the governor of the Banque du Liban, his son, brother and nephew are also targeted. They are accused of acquiring an enormous heritage financed by complex procedures and lacking in transparency.
