Emil Salameh (38 years old), son of Raja Salameh, brother of the former Governor of the Banque du Liban, Riad Salameh, was charged on February 12 with criminal conspiracy and money laundering on behalf of organized groups, as well as concealing crimes, following an interrogation session with a financial investigating judge. Emil Salameh is suspected of acquiring properties, including two apartments in Paris, summer homes in Lebanon, and other assets, with funds sent by his father through financial arrangements. He is also accused of managing two companies registered in the United Kingdom that own several properties in London, benefiting from the same financial arrangements, according to an informed source.
Stephan de Navasel, Emil Salameh's defense lawyer, told AFP, "Mr. Salameh sought to provide useful clarifications for the investigation and will continue to contribute in this context." He added that this procedure relates to "facts attributed to third parties in which he did not participate." He continued, "He has complete confidence in the outcome of this procedure that will prove his good faith."
During his interrogation, Emil Salameh, residing in London, confirmed that he was unaware that the funds transferred by his father—Riad Salameh’s brother—could have had an illicit source, according to the informed source. Lawyer William Bourdon, on behalf of the NGO "Sherpa" which combats financial crime, and the "Lebanese Victims of Fraudulent and Criminal Practices" foundation, established by several depositors in Lebanese banks impacted by the financial crisis in Lebanon since 2019, stated, "After this new indictment, there are still a few pieces needed to complete the puzzle of the predatory system established by Riad Salameh with his gang."
At least three other individuals are being prosecuted in this case, including Salameh's former assistant, a close associate, and former Lebanese Minister Marwan Khair Eddine. On May 16, 2023, the French judge overseeing the investigation into Salameh’s assets and properties in Europe issued an international arrest warrant for him after he failed to attend a summoned interrogation session in Paris.
