Lebanon bank chief denies sending $400m abroad

Lebanon bank chief denies sending $400m abroad

BEIRUT: Lebanon's central bank has denied allegations that its governor, Riad Salameh, transferred up to $400 million abroad along with his brother and an assistant.

The bank's claim follows an announcement by Swiss authorities of an investigation into money transfers by Salame.

The Swiss attorney general's office said it had requested legal assistance from Lebanon in the context of a probe into "aggravated money laundering“ and possible embezzlement tied to the Lebanese central bank.

Salameh has denied any wrong-doing, describing the claims as "fabrications“ and "false news.“

In a statement on Tuesday, the Banque du Liban said: "Salameh, as always, abides by the Lebanese and international laws in force, and cooperates with all parties concerned.“

Lebanon's pro-Hezbollah Al-Akhbar newspaper said the same day that Lebanon had received an official request from EU and Swiss authorities to provide judicial assistance in an investigation into financial transfers involving Salameh.

According to the newspaper, European investigators are seeking information on bank transfers totaling $400 million made by Salameh, his brother Raja and assistant Marianne Hoayek.

Earlier in the day Justice Minister Marie-Claude Najm confirmed that she had received a request from Swiss judicial authorities to cooperate on an inquiry into money transfers by Salameh.

The newspaper said: "The investigation into criminal behavior