US sanctions target ex-chief of Lebanon Central Bank Salameh
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The US, along with the UK and Canada, sanctioned the former governor of Lebanon's Central Bank on accusations of "corruption" and "breaking Lebanese laws."
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Former Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh (AFP)
The United States, the UK, and Canada announced on Thursday imposing sanctions on Lebanon's former Banque du Liban (Central Bank) Governor Riad Salameh, saying this measure is due to Salameh's involvement in the financial corruption in the country.
In a statement, the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said it was designating Salameh, accusing him of "breaking the rule of law in Lebanon" through his "corruption and unlawful actions."
BdL's former head, who is known for having strong affiliations with Western countries, most notably the US, retired from his position earlier this month after 30 years of serving as the head of the country's most influential financial institute.
Read more: Lebanon receives Interpol arrest warrant for Central Bank Governor
OFAC is a financial intelligence and enforcement agency under the Treasury Department, with the capacity to sanction foreign entities and individuals in accordance with Washington's foreign policy.
“By using his position to enrich himself, his family, and his associates in apparent contravention of Lebanese law, Salameh contributed to Lebanon’s endemic corruption and perpetuated the perception that elites in Lebanon need not abide by the same rules that apply to all Lebanese people,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.
Nelson added that this action was coordinated between the three allies.
Several European countries, including Belgium, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, are currently conducting investigations into allegations of corruption against him, while Berlin issued an arrest warrant against him earlier this year.
He stands accused of embezzling as much as $330 million from Lebanon's Central Bank. The investigators claim that some of the stolen funds were transferred to his brother's Swiss bank accounts, while others were used to purchase properties across various European locations.
OFAC’s designation of Salameh and individuals involved in his corrupt schemes do not extend to the Banque du Liban (BdL) or the BdL’s US correspondent bank relationships, the Treasury statement noted.
