(MENAFN) A Beirut court on Tuesday approved the release of former central bank governor Riad Salameh after he posted what is being described as a record bail of 20 million U.S. dollars and 5 billion Lebanese pounds, worth roughly 55,600 dollars, according to reports.

As part of the decision, the court also imposed a one-year travel ban while legal proceedings continue.

Salameh, who headed the Banque du Liban for three decades until July 2023, has faced both domestic and international probes over allegations of corruption, embezzlement, and money laundering. In April, he was formally sent to trial on charges of illicit enrichment and forgery.

His leadership came under heightened criticism following Lebanon’s financial meltdown in 2019, with opponents accusing him of mismanagement. Salameh, however, has consistently rejected all allegations of misconduct.

MENAFN27082025000045017281ID1109983301