Lebanon's billionaire caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, has denied allegations of money laundering following a complaint filed in France by two anti-corruption groups. The complaint was lodged with France’s National Financial Prosecutor’s office by French anti-corruption NGO Sherpa and the Collective of Victims of Fraudulent and Criminal Practices.
Sherpa's objective is to investigate how Lebanese political figures like Mikati amassed significant wealth and the role of financial intermediaries in facilitating these acquisitions. The complaint questions the origin of funds that passed through the French banking system, although specific sums were not disclosed.
In response, Mikati issued a statement through Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, asserting that he and his family have always operated within the confines of the law. He emphasized the family's integrity and highlighted their commitment to transparency in business dealings.
Mikati, one of Lebanon's wealthiest individuals at 68 years old, has been serving as prime minister since 2021. He co-founded the telecommunications company Investcom with his brother Taha in the 1980s and later sold it to South Africa’s MTN Group for $5.5 billion in 2006.
French prosecutors are yet to decide whether to initiate an investigation into the allegations against Mikati. The case underscores the ongoing scrutiny of financial practices and wealth accumulation by prominent figures, both domestically and internationally.
