A former Lebanese cabinet minister was arrested after investigating alleged financial offenses. Judicial and security officers gave this information to ‘Associated Press’.
Three judicial officers and a security officer, on the condition of anonymity, said that former Finance Minister Amin Salam was questioned for three hours in connection with the illegal use of money of the ministry and suspected contracts after which he was detained.
Lebanon is trying to improve his economy which has been struggling with profiteering for many years. Salaam has been accused of forgery, embezzlement and misuse of public money.
Local media said in reports that the case is related to the alleged extortion from private insurance companies and using the money of the committee monitoring those companies for themselves. Salam did not directly comment.
However, on Monday, he shared a video on social media in which he denied these reports and said that he used money to increase the proficiency and transparency of the committee. Salaam was the Finance Minister for more than three years. He was appointed at a time in 2021 when Lebanon’s economy collapsed.