Lebanese judge charges central bank governor with illicit enrichment

Judge Ghada Aoun said the charge against central bank governor Riad Salameh related to the purchase and rental of Paris apartments. (AFP)

• Judge Ghada Aoun said the charge related to the purchase and rental of Paris apartments, including some to the central bank

BEIRUT: A Lebanese judge charged central bank governor Riad Salameh with illicit enrichment on Monday, the judge told Reuters, days after she ordered his brother Raja arrested in the same case.
Judge Ghada Aoun said Riad Salameh, governor for nearly three decades, had not attended a hearing scheduled for Monday, and she had charged him in absentia.
She said the charge related to the purchase and rental of Paris apartments, including some to the central bank, Aoun told Reuters.
Reuters could not immediately reach Riad Salameh for comment on Monday.
On Friday, Raja Salameh’s lawyer said allegations of illicit enrichment and money laundering against his client were unfounded, calling the evidence “media speculation without any evidence.”