Central bank claims all required documentation has been submitted to forensic audit firm

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s central bank responded Monday to President Michel Aoun’s allegations of delays in its handing over data for the long-awaited forensic audit of Banque du Liban, saying BDL has provided the requested information. BDL also called on the audit firm to start its work “immediately.”

Here’s what we know:

    • The presidency had taken aim at BDL in a statement Monday, alleging delays in handing over data for the forensic audit and saying it hoped the central bank “doesn’t have anything to hide in its accounts.”

    • Aoun also said he had previously warned against deliberate procrastination by the central bank in delivering the information required by audit firm Alvarez & Marsal.

    • In its statement, BDL claimed it had handed over all the necessary documents as of Jan. 21 and had asked the Finance Ministry for the “immediate proceeding of the audit.”

    • It also said that it “stressed the importance of Alvarez & Marsal proceeding with their work and making sure the documents are correct.”

    • The forensic audit was approved by the cabinet in a session held in July 2020. Obstacles to this process were removed by a law approved by Parliament to lift secrecy on all BDL accounts.