Lebanon's billionaire caretaker prime minister has refuted accusations of money laundering following a complaint filed in France by two anti-corruption groups. The complaint against the prime minister was lodged with France’s National Financial Prosecutor’s office by French anti-corruption NGOs Sherpa and the Collective of Victims of Fraudulent and Criminal Practices.
Sherpa stated that the aim of the complaint is to investigate how Lebanese political figures, including the prime minister, amassed significant wealth and the role of financial intermediaries in facilitating these acquisitions. Specific details regarding the amounts of money involved have not been disclosed.
The complaint highlights concerns about the accumulation of substantial assets by the prime minister in France and questions the source of funds that passed through the French banking system.
In response, the prime minister emphasized that he and his family have always operated within the confines of the law. A statement released by Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reiterated the family's commitment to integrity and emphasized the transparency of their business dealings.
French authorities have not yet made a decision on whether to initiate an investigation into the matter.
Najib Mikati, one of the wealthiest individuals in Lebanon 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.
