The Casino du Liban is reportedly facing money laundering accusations related to online gambling activities considered illegal, according to information reported by the Al Modon site on Thursday.
A source close to corruption cases cited by the media indicates that the establishment serves as a "money laundering machine" for operations conducted by Lebanese businessmen and public figures.
It is in this context that a patrol from the General Directorate of State Security conducted an operation on Wednesday at the Casino du Liban, at approximately 11:30 a.m.
Another operation took place the same day at the headquarters of the money transfer company OMT in Tayyouneh, according to several local media.
No official link has been established between the two operations.
State Security, contacted by L’Orient-Le Jour, did not comment on the information.
An official source within the Casino confirmed the operation, stating that CEO Roland Khoury was present and answered the agents' questions.
"Mr. Khoury was present and cooperated with the patrol by answering all their questions," assured the source, affirming that so far, no casino official has been arrested, and no devices or equipment have been confiscated, contrary to information circulating in some media.
However, the source did not provide details on the reasons for this approach, stating that the motives "remain unknown."
An internal source at the Casino also told the Al Modon site that there is indeed an indication of an investigation related to online gaming, while emphasizing that it was not a "raid" in the proper sense.
"Ultimately, State Security, doing its job, acts based on cross-denunciations. But this chaos in online gambling, managed by a real mafia, remains uncontrolled. Its members are still at large, operating as they see fit. So far, no accused has been seen behind bars. So, who will stop them?" questioned the source close to the corruption cases.
On Tuesday, a parliamentary subcommittee, formed from joint committees and chaired by MP Tony Frangieh, convened to discuss a draft law regulating online games in Lebanon.
This article was translated from L'Orient-Le Jour.
