Why is the Monaco judiciary interested in Najib Mikati’s affairs?
The Principality of Monaco sent Lebanon a request for judicial assistance regarding an open investigation into money laundering charges against Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati and his relatives, particularly in relation to subsidized housing loans — a story that made the headlines in 2018 and was dismissed in Lebanon.
Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati. (Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP)
Contrary to his recent statements, Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati remains in the sights of international justice.Monaco started criminal proceedings against him, his brother Taha and his son Maher for “money laundering, complicity in money laundering and receiving stolen goods,” according to the request for mutual legal assistance Lebanese authorities received from Monaco’s General Prosecutor’s Office, dated Jan. 19, 2022, which L’Orient-Le Jour reviewed.Under Monaco’s penal code, these offenses are punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, and a fine of up to 90,000 euros.Shortly after the excerpts of the document made the rounds on social media last week, the Tripolitan billionaire’s communications team promptly denied the existence of any new proceedings against him.In a June 20 statement, Mikati's press office said the...
Contrary to his recent statements, Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati remains in the sights of international justice.Monaco started criminal proceedings against him, his brother Taha and his son Maher for “money laundering, complicity in money laundering and receiving stolen goods,” according to the request for mutual legal assistance Lebanese authorities received from Monaco’s General Prosecutor’s Office, dated Jan. 19, 2022, which L’Orient-Le Jour reviewed.Under Monaco’s penal code, these offenses are punishable by five to 10 years imprisonment, and a fine of up to 90,000 euros.Shortly after the excerpts of the document made the rounds on social media last week, the Tripolitan billionaire’s communications team promptly denied the existence of any new proceedings against him.In a June 20 statement, Mikati's press office...
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