Revealed: Riad Salameh accused of using embezzled millions to build vast property empire
The first definitive account of how prosecutors believe the Lebanese central bank governor and his accomplices stole up to $330m – and what they did with the money
The National can today reveal the full extent of the prosecution case against Riad Salameh, the Lebanon central bank chief accused of embezzling $330 million from the financially stricken country.
Previously unseen documents, obtained by The National from two independent sources, disclose in detail how Mr Salameh is alleged to have siphoned the funds into Europe and the US, the companies created to execute the plan, the accomplices he is said to have used and the vast property empire he now controls.
Among the new revelations are:
– A complete mapping of the Salameh clan's vast real estate empire across Europe, which has been seized by the judiciary for a total value of about $92 million. This includes mansions in prime areas of European capitals and industrial and commercial buildings that generate significant rental income, all suspected to have been acquired with Lebanese public funds.
– Previously undisclosed US real estate tied to Raja Salameh, the governor's brother, shedding light on the expansive reach of the Salameh empire worldwide, with identified properties alone valued at a minimum of $4.4 million.
– The family affair behind the scheme, the assigned roles of family members and the relevant assets they own.
– The indirect enabler of the alleged money laundering scheme and, notably, the lack of due diligence from European banks, which allowed about $100 million of suspicious funds to flow through Luxembourg-based companies, all while the EU banks displayed “no concern” regarding “the origin of [Riad Salameh's] wealth”.
– New alleged protagonists under investigation, with figures such as Christian Noyer, a former French central banker who provided undeclared consultancy services for Lebanon's central bank.
– The behind-the-scenes details of the investigation, involving hearings, detentions and large-scale police raids.
France, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and Liechtenstein are all investigating Riad Salameh for alleged embezzlement from the Lebanon central bank with the suspected assistance of his brother, Raja.
It is alleged that the governor funnelled public funds through commissions paid to his brother’s company, neph Associates Ltd, under an irregular agreement with Lebanon's central bank from 2002 and 2016.
During this time, Forry would collect a 0.38 per cent commission from commercial banks, without them knowing and without providing any services in return, each time they bought financial instruments from the central bank.
The alleged ill-gotten funds followed a complex journey, typical of a money laundering scheme, traversing continents and ultimately being used for the acquisition of luxury properties within the EU.
Suspicions are such that both the French and German judiciaries have issued arrest warrants for Riad Salameh, leading to an Interpol red notice.
Three people have been placed under formal investigation in France, including Marianne Hoayek, his former assistant, Anna Kosakova, his romantic partner, and Lebanese banker Marwan Kheireddine.
Investigations are still ongoing and those accused are under investigation.
Despite the money laundering allegations, Riad Salameh continues to hold his position at the helm of Lebanon's central bank.
While his mandate is set to end on July 31, uncertainty lingers over the appointment of his successor.
Riad Salameh declared in an interview on Wednesday night that he would not be seeking another term.
Wednesday: West Indies v Scotland
Thursday: UAE v Zimbabwe
Friday: Afghanistan v Ireland
Sunday: Final
How to apply for a drone permit
Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request
What are the regulations?
Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
Should have a live feed of the drone flight
Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
It’ll be summer in the city as car show tries to move with the times
If 2008 was the year that rocked Detroit, 2019 will be when Motor City gives its annual car extravaganza a revamp that aims to move with the times.
A major change is that this week's North American International Auto Show will be the last to be held in January, after which the event will switch to June.
The new date, organisers said, will allow exhibitors to move vehicles and activities outside the Cobo Center's halls and into other city venues, unencumbered by cold January weather, exemplified this week by snow and ice.
In a market in which trends can easily be outpaced beyond one event, the need to do so was probably exacerbated by the decision of Germany's big three carmakers – BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi – to skip the auto show this year.
The show has long allowed car enthusiasts to sit behind the wheel of the latest models at the start of the calendar year but a more fluid car market in an online world has made sales less seasonal.
Similarly, everyday technology seems to be catching up on those whose job it is to get behind microphones and try and tempt the visiting public into making a purchase.
Although sparkly announcers clasp iPads and outline the technical gadgetry hidden beneath bonnets, people's obsession with their own smartphones often appeared to offer a more tempting distraction.
“It's maddening,” said one such worker at Nissan's stand.
The absence of some pizzazz, as well as top marques, was also noted by patrons.
“It looks like there are a few less cars this year,” one annual attendee said of this year's exhibitors.
“I can't help but think it's easier to stay at home than to brave the snow and come here.”
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
How to wear a kandura
Dos
Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
