Ex-Lebanon Central Bank Governor Arrested Over Financial Crimes

Former Lebanon central bank governor Riad Salameh was arrested on Tuesday in Beirut over financial crimes linked to a brokerage firm. The 73-year-old served as the bank's governor for 30 years but faced accusations of crimes including embezzlement, money laundering, and fraud in his final months. This arrest is separate from previous charges related to diverting public funds.

In a dramatic turn of events, Lebanon's former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, was arrested in Beirut on Tuesday over financial crimes connected to a brokerage company named Optimum Invest, according to three judicial sources.

During his 30-year tenure, Salameh built a reputation as a competent steward of the country's financial system. However, his last few months were stained by multiple charges, including embezzlement, money laundering, and fraud. Sources say these accusations pertain to commissions earned through the central bank's affairs with Optimum Invest from 2015 to 2018.

His arrest follows a hearing at Lebanon's justice palace concerning the central bank's dealings with the firm. He will remain in custody for four days for a 'precautionary arrest.' The case will subsequently be transferred to the Beirut public prosecutor.

(With inputs from agencies.)