France opens graft probe into Lebanon’s central bank chief

French prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into money laundering allegations against Lebanon’s longtime central bank chief Riad Salameh, who is also accused of associating with an organised criminal group.

French prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into money laundering allegations against Lebanon’s central bank governor, the prosecutor’s office said on Monday. The move comes on the heels of Switzerland launching a probe into possible money laundering and embezzlement at Lebanon’s central bank, which now stands at the heart of Lebanon’s deep financial crisis. The French prosecutor’s office said the investigation around Riad Salameh was opened in late May involving potential charges of money laundering and association with an organised criminal group.