Kathmandu— Lebanon has indicted former central bank Governor Riad Salameh and Samir Hanna, the ex-head of Bank Audi, on accusations of financial crimes including embezzlement and illicit enrichment. A judge accused both men of embezzling tens of millions of dollars from the Banque du Liban, Lebanon’s central bank, according to judicial sources cited by Reuters and AFP. This indictment marks the first time a commercial banker has been implicated in the ongoing investigation into Salameh's conduct during his three-decade tenure.

Expanding Investigation

The new charges represent an expansion of Lebanese investigations into Salameh, which previously focused on allegations related to his direct actions while at the central bank. Sources indicate that this is the first instance of a commercial banker being indicted in connection with financial crimes linked to Salameh, suggesting investigators are now turning their attention to potential collusion within the private sector.

Allegations of Bribery

The judicial file reportedly includes accusations that Hanna bribed Salameh while he served as central bank governor. The specific details of these alleged bribes have not been publicly disclosed, but they form a key component of the charges against both men. This development adds another layer to the complex web of financial wrongdoing under investigation.

Salameh’s Legal Battles

Riad Salameh, 76, served as Lebanon's central bank governor from 1993 until July 2023. He was recently taken into custody last month after missing a court hearing but is currently receiving medical supervision at a government hospital outside Beirut. Prior to this, he spent approximately 13 months detained over similar allegations before being released in September after posting bail of more than $14 million.

Hanna’s Bail and Ongoing Investigations

Samir Hanna, 88, has paid a $1 million bail and is currently not in custody as financial investigations continue. The reports indicate that the investigation into both Salameh and Hanna remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and pursue further leads.

Central Bank Complaint

In January, current central bank governor Karim Souaid revealed that the Banque du Liban had filed a criminal complaint against an unnamed former official of the central bank, a former banker, and a lawyer. The complaint alleges illicit enrichment through misuse of public funds channeled through four offshore shell companies in the Cayman Islands.

Both Salameh and Hanna maintain their innocence, while investigations continue both within Lebanon and internationally in countries including France, Switzerland, and Germany.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.