BEIRUT: The government of Lebanon has ordered to freeze the bank accounts of the central bank’s former governor after the United States, Britain and Canada had put him under sanctions, western media reported on Monday.
The AFP reported, Riad Salameh, 73, has been viewed as the main factor behind the economic crash of Lebanon.
Earlier a report prepared by professional services firm Alvarez & Marsal (A&M), found irregularities in the functioning of the bank and slammed the policies of the former governor.
Riad Salameh who served as the governor of Lebanon’s central bank for 30 years left his post last month.
Lebanon Freezes Accounts of Central Bank’s ex-Governor
The central bank in a statement said a special investigation committee has ordered the lifting of banking secrecy as well as the freezing of accounts that are directly or indirectly linked to Salameh.
Recently Britain, Canada and the United States have announced strict restrictions against Salameh for committing financial crimes. He, however, rejected all charges against him.
In 2015, he launched so-called financial steps to enhance central bank reserves.
Salameh is wanted in France and Germany, while Interpol has also issued a Red Notice against him, but Lebanon does not extradite its nationals.
