Travel Ban on Lebanon Central Bank Head Over Misconduct Allegations

A travel ban has been placed on the governor of Lebanon’s central bank, over allegations of financial misconduct including international money laundering. Lebanese investigating Judge Ghada Aoun issued the travel ban on Banque du Liban Governor Riad Salameh on Tuesday, ahead of questioning scheduled for Thursday, according to reports. The ban was issued hours after Aoun questioned several senior central bank employees.

Salameh, 71, has held the job as central bank governor for nearly 30 years. He is being investigated in a case filed by attorneys from the anti-corruption group The People Demand the Reform of the Regime, which also requested the travel ban.  Salameh also is being investigated in other countries over allegations of fraud, money laundering and illicit enrichment, including  Switzerland, Luxembourg and France. He denies the allegations.

The Lebanese pound fell to its lowest level on Tuesday, reaching 33,500 to the dollar.