The recent arrest of Riad Salameh, Lebanon’s former central bank governor, has grabbed headlines, but many Lebanese doubt he will stay behind bars given his deep connections to the ruling elite, who have dominated the country’s politics for over three decades.
The public prosecutor's charges against Salameh revolve around his involvement with Optimum—a financial brokerage firm—alleging illicit transactions between the company and the central bank. Similar charges were previously levied against Fawry—a company even more deeply entrenched with the Salameh family through his brother and son.
It’s important to note that Salameh—who was wanted by both Lebanese and international authorities for over a year—had remained untouched up until this point, which is why there is so much speculation over his arrest. In a country where conspiracy theories abound, questions surrounding who ordered the arrest and why will undoubtedly fuel conspiracy theories.
Powerful friends
Salameh has intimate knowledge of the complex web of mafia networks that have systematically plundered public and private funds for decades—something, of course, certain individuals don’t want exposed. These networks have engaged in money laundering, smuggling, fraud, and leveraging wealth to secure loyalty, influence, and power.
