Raja Salameh, the brother of Lebanon’s central bank governor, was arrested on Thursday following interrogation at a courthouse east of Beirut, ratcheting up the pressure on Riad Salameh, who is currently facing multiple graft investigations.
According to a separate judicial source, Aoun charged Salameh with “complicity in illicit enrichment” involving his brother.
Raja Salameh has not been charged with any crime and has categorically denied all allegations leveled against him. He did not immediately return a message seeking comment.
Riad Salameh is also under investigation in Lebanon and at least five European countries, including Switzerland, on charges of money laundering and embezzlement involving hundreds of millions of dollars at the central bank investigations in which his younger brother Raja is also involved.
The source confirmed that Raja Salameh, the 61-year-old businessman, had been detained and remained in custody at the Baabda courthouse.
Aoun has repeatedly requested that Riad Salameh be brought in for questioning regarding alleged misconduct at the central bank, including allegations of fraud. Riad Salameh has evaded interrogation and has asked Aoun to recuse himself from the case, claiming bias.
Riad Salameh, 71, was barred from traveling abroad by Aoun in January.
Riad Salameh has stated that the allegations leveled against him are politically motivated.
