France Opens Criminal Inquiry Into Lebanese Banks Over Crisis-Era Capital Flight

French authorities have opened a landmark criminal investigation into alleged illegal transfers of funds out of Lebanon, targeting European subsidiaries of major Lebanese banks (including Bank Audi and Banque Richelieu France) and figures linked to SGBL. The inquiry, prompted by complaints from anti-corruption group Sherpa and victims’ groups, examines money laundering, breach of trust, handling of stolen goods, and criminal conspiracy and may broaden international legal actions against Lebanese financial elites.