Archive · 29 Jan 2026
Germany Seeks to Confiscate Property in Lebanon Central Bank Probe
German prosecutors want to keep some properties and money they took from a man named Riad Salameh.
He used to be the head of Lebanon's central bank.
They think he and others took $330 million from the bank and laundered it in Europe.
Riad says the money is his and he didn't do anything wrong.
The properties are in Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf and are worth about 35 million euros.
Lebanon wants this money back to help their country.
The case is still being decided.
German prosecutors applied to confiscate 35 million euros worth of property seized in a money laundering investigation.
The investigation involves former Lebanese central bank governor Riad Salameh and others accused of embezzling $330 million.
Properties in Munich, Hamburg, and shares in a Düsseldorf real estate company were seized as part of the investigation.
Salameh denies any wrongdoing and claims the investments are from his own funds.
Lebanese authorities seek to reclaim the confiscated assets to help recapitalize state coffers.
- Who
- German prosecutors and former Lebanese central bank governor Riad Salameh
- What
- Confiscation of property worth 35 million euros seized in a money laundering investigation
- When
- Application submitted in January 2026, properties seized in February 2024
- Where
- Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf, Germany
- Why
- Alleged money laundering and embezzlement of public funds
- Amount Seized
- 35 million euros
- Location of Properties
- Munich, Hamburg, and Düsseldorf
- Accused Individual
- Riad Salameh (former Lebanese central bank governor)
- Alleged Embezzlement
- 330 million dollars
- Investigation Start
- Mid-2021
- Bail Paid
- 14 million dollars
- Travel Ban
- Yes (on Riad Salameh)