Lebanon's former economy minister faces arrest warrant in corruption probe

BEIRUT, June 19 (Xinhua) -- A Lebanese investigative judge on Thursday issued an arrest warrant for former Economy Minister Amin Salam, accusing him of embezzlement of public funds, forgery, illicit enrichment, and extortion, the state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported.

Judge Bilal Halawi issued the warrant after interrogating Salam, who was accompanied by his lawyer. A legal representative from the Ministry of Justice, acting as the plaintiff, was also present.

The investigation centers on allegations that Salam, who served as economy minister from 2021 to February 2025 during Lebanon's severe financial crisis, diverted funds from a regulatory committee overseeing insurance companies for personal use. He is also accused of pressuring private insurers, according to local media.

Salam has denied the accusations. In a social media video, he claimed the funds in question were used to enhance transparency and efficiency. ■