Former Lebanese Minister Amin Salam Arrested on Corruption Charges

BEIRUT — Lebanese authorities arrested former Minister of Economy Amin Salam on Wednesday on charges of forgery, embezzlement, and misuse of public funds.

The arrest came after Attorney General Jamal Hajjar ordered Salam’s detention following a three-hour interrogation. The investigation focuses on Salam’s alleged involvement in forgery and signing questionable contracts while misappropriating funds.

This case is separate from an ongoing investigation involving allegations of illicit enrichment and extortion of private insurance companies, according to the state-run National News Agency.

Salam has faced scrutiny since March when parliament member Farid Boustany filed a complaint against him. This complaint accuses Salam of pressuring private insurance companies and improperly using funds from the Insurance Control Commission for personal expenses during his time as minister.

The parliamentary inquiry also names Salam’s brother Karim Salam, his adviser Fadi Tamim, and accountant Elie Abboud. Reports claim that Karim Salam blackmailed insurance firms, such as allegedly threatening to revoke Al-Mashreq Insurance Company’s license unless it paid $250,000 in fees to Tamim’s company.

Additionally, a report alleged that Amin Salam misused the Insurance Control Commission’s funds, with monthly expenses reaching $70,000. Karim Salam was arrested in April as part of the investigation.

On May 29, Judge Hajjar released Amin Salam on bail but imposed a travel ban. Days later, a new case emerged against him, suspecting misappropriation of public funds and illegal contracts worth $640,000 with a Malaysian company.

Local media reported that he used Ministry funds for personal travel and car rentals unrelated to his job. Salam has not commented on these allegations, instead sharing a video on social media claiming his actions were legal.

Salam was appointed to the Ministry of Economy in September 2021, during Lebanon’s severe economic crisis. His tenure lasted until February 2023 when a new government formed.

The Lebanese economy began to collapse in October 2019, triggering widespread protests against corruption and mismanagement. Since then, the local currency has lost over 90% of its value, pushing half the population into poverty.

This arrest marks a significant move against a high-ranking official, following the detention of former central bank governor Riad Salameh in September 2022 for embezzlement involving more than $40 million.