Lebanon Grants Bail to Former Central Bank Governor
Lebanese courts have approved bail of more than $20 million for former central bank governor Riad Salameh, who has been jailed for nearly a year on embezzlement charges, according to reports.
Bail details
A judicial source said Salameh was released on bail of $20 million plus five billion Lebanese pounds (about $56,000). He is also banned from leaving the country for one year.
Salameh is accused of stealing $44 million from the central bank. Last month, courts had already issued release orders for him in two other cases. Another judicial official noted that this bail amount is the highest ever set in Lebanon’s courts.
Salameh was first indicted in April on charges of embezzlement, illicit enrichment, and forgery. At that time, his bail request was rejected. Officials now say his release was approved due to health reasons, and he would have been freed in September anyway when his detention period ended.
Background
Salameh, who stepped down in July 2023, denies all charges. He claims his wealth comes from private investments and his past job at US investment firm Merrill Lynch.
New governor
In March 2025, Lebanon appointed Karim Soaid as the new central bank governor, replacing interim chief Wassim Mansouri. The move comes as Lebanon struggles with a severe financial crisis and pressure from the IMF to carry out major reforms in banking, spending, and currency management.
Published: 26th August 2025
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