Raja Salameh, brother of former Lebanese central bank chief, under investigation in France

His son, Emile Salameh, has been charged as part of a corruption probe into the embezzlement of more than $330 million

Raja Salameh is suspected of having helped Riad Salameh embezzle more than $330 million through a slush fund at the central bank. Photo: NNA

Raja Salameh, the brother of Lebanon's former central bank governor Riad Salameh, has been placed under investigation in France as part of a corruption probe into the embezzlement of more than $330 million from the bank, a source close to the case confirmed to The National on Wednesday.

Following his hearing last week in Paris, Raja Salameh faces charges including criminal conspiracy, embezzlement of public funds, aggravated breach of trust, corruption, and organised money laundering, AFP reported, and the source confirmed.

He is suspected of having helped Riad Salameh embezzle more than $330 million through a slush fund at the central bank, which was allegedly used to acquire properties in Europe and the US.

Both brothers have denied the allegations.

“It is a crucial but anticipated development. The evasion ends here,” said William Bourdon, one of the lawyers representing the Sherpa association and the Collective Association of Victims of Fraudulent and Criminal Practices in Lebanon as civil parties in the case.

“The judicial puzzle of a massive diversion of public resources by a family clan and its allies is nearing completion.”

In February, Raja's son Emile Salameh was charged in France with criminal conspiracy, money laundering, and receiving stolen goods following his interrogation by a financial investigating judge.

Through financial arrangements facilitated by his father, Emile Salameh is suspected of having acquired two apartments in Paris and villas in Lebanon.

The National has previously reported on Raja Salameh’s property holdings in France and the US that are suspected to have been purchased with illicit funds, and suspicious transfers between Raja and Emile Salameh.

Since 2021, French authorities, along with several other EU countries, have been investigating money laundering linked to Lebanon's central bank chief between 1993 and 2023.

In May 2023, France issued an arrest warrant for Riad Salameh following a hearing in Paris. Raja Salameh had failed to appear at his hearing in France in April the same year, citing medical reasons.

France has also put others suspects under formal investigation, including Riad Salameh’s partner Anna Kosakova, Lebanese banker and former minister Marwan Kheireddine, senior BDL adviser Marianne Hoayek and Antoine Gholam, manager of Lebanese auditing firm BDO Semaan.

“Raja Salameh answered all questions put to him by the investigating magistrates, aiming to establish the truth,” his lawyer Karim Beylouni told AFP.

“Raja Salameh denies any wrongdoing, including participation in the alleged misappropriation of public funds. He aims to clear his name and that of his family,” he added.