Lebanon Charges Ex Bank Chief Salame Over $44.8 Million Embezzlement

Lebanese prosecutors charged former central bank governor Riad Salame and two advisers with embezzlement, forgery, and illicit enrichment tied to $44.8 million allegedly diverted from central bank consulting accounts, following a court decision to refer him to trial. Judge Ghada Aoun called it a significant step within a broader probe alleging over $8 billion in stolen public funds. The central bank plans to join as a plaintiff to recover embezzled money, while Salame—previously released on bail and barred from travel—also faces related investigations in France, Switzerland, and other European countries.