Lebanese actress Stephanie Saliba has been detained as part of a corruption investigation into the governor of the country's central bank, it has been reported.
Saliba was held by Financial Attorney General Eman Abdallah after questioning by financial prosecutor Ali Ibrahim, Lebanon's National News Agency reported.
This came after the judge overseeing the investigation into central bank governor Riad Salameh issued a search warrant as part of the probe.
Judge Ghada Aoun confirmed to The National on Thursday that she ordered Saliba to be brought in for questioning, as the judiciary suspected Mr Salameh of using misappropriated money to buy the actress gifts and properties.
Mr Salameh denies accusations of corruption.
Saliba — star of popular TV series Above the Clouds and Moment of Silence and who has 2.3 million Instagram followers — is said to be a close acquaintance of Mr Salameh.
But Ms Aoun denied local news reports that an arrest warrant had been issued for Saliba.
“This is a provisory detention, which is part of an ongoing investigation into Mr Salameh's personal wealth,” said lawyer Wadih Akl, a member of the political bureau of the Free Patriotic Movement political party.
“Anyone subjected to a search warrant must be brought in and questioned.
“She should now be transferred to Ms Aoun for further questioning as she is the one with the evidence. The judge will then decide to release or arrest her.”
Once hailed as the man who kept Lebanon's banking sector flourishing, Mr Salameh is now facing investigations in Lebanon and at least five European countries into the alleged embezzlement of more than $300 million and €5 million.
Mr Salameh has been partly blamed for the 2019 economic meltdown that has pushed most of the population into poverty, after decades of corruption and nepotism among the elite.
As part of these money laundering investigations, the EU's criminal justice co-operation agency Eurojust last March seized €120 million ($124.3 million) worth of assets belonging to Mr Salameh and his entourage.
Last week, the investigative journal Mediapart reported that French prosecutors had indicted a former partner of Mr Salameh, Anna Kosakova, for criminal conspiracy, organised money laundering and aggravated tax fraud laundering.
Mr Salameh denies any wrongdoing. He said that his wealth, which he estimates at $23 million, has been lawfully acquired and that it comes from his investments made as a banker before becoming central bank governor in 1993.
Saliba did not respond to requests for comment.
Get Out
Director: Jordan Peele
Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Williams, Catherine Keener, Bradley Whitford
Four stars
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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'Shakuntala Devi'
Starring: Vidya Balan, Sanya Malhotra
Director: Anu Menon
Rating: Three out of five stars
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 290hp
Torque: 340Nm
Price: Dh155,800
On sale: now
Temple numbers
Expected completion: 2022
Height: 24 meters
Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people
Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people
First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time
First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres
Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres
Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor
THE BIO: Mohammed Ashiq Ali
Proudest achievement: “I came to a new country and started this shop”
Favourite TV programme: the news
Favourite place in Dubai: Al Fahidi. “They started the metro in 2009 and I didn’t take it yet.”
Family: six sons in Dubai and a daughter in Faisalabad
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
Company%20Profile
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