Monitoring Desk
BEIRUT: Officials said on Tuesday that European investigators questioned witnesses for 8 hours in Beirut as part of an investigation into Lebanon’s central bank governor Riad Salemeh and his brother.
Investigators from Germany, France, and Luxembourg started hearing witnesses on Monday as part of the case of alleged financial misconduct including possible embezzlement and money laundering.
Top Officials
The central bank head is among top officials widely alleged for monetary policies that have led to an economic crisis in Lebanon that the World Bank has termed one of the worst globally in current history.
Investigators heard evidence from Ahmad Jachi, vice governor of the central bank, Marwan Kheireddine, former minister, the official told the media on the condition of anonymity.
The investigators also questioned ex-vice governor Saad Andary, and Raed Charafeddine, another top official. However, Salame’s French lawyer said that Riad Salemeh has not yet received the summon.
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Bank directors and owners were also asked about the accounts of the governor’s brother, Raja Salameh, the source disclosed.
Germany, France, and Luxembourg in March seized assets worth 120 million euros in a move connected to an investigation by French investigators into Salameh’s personal wealth and money.
Salameh and his brother both dismiss the allegations. The investigators also want to question bankers as well as incumbent and former officials of the central bank as part of their investigation.
