Former Director General of the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) in Zahle Michel Afram. (Credit: Al Modon)
BEIRUT — State Security stated on Tuesday that it "arrested the former Director General of the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) in Zahle, Michel Afram, as well as three employees (J.A.), (M.B.), and (Z.M.)," after investigations revealed their alleged involvement in embezzlement operations and invoice forgery.
The statement noted that the judicial investigation carried out by the Bekaa Regional Directorate "revealed the existence of fictitious contracts for the purchase of supplies and equipment through non-existent companies for the authority’s scientific laboratories, estimated at tens of thousands of dollars, constituting waste and embezzlement of public funds."
"Based on the directive of the Financial Public Prosecutor, Judge Maher Chaito, the former Director General was arrested along with three employees: (J.A.), (M.B.), and (Z.M.)", the State Security's statement reads.
It added that a number of "other employees were released on residence bonds, and a travel ban was issued against them."
"The investigation has been concluded, and the detainees, along with the seized evidence, have been referred to the competent judiciary", the statement concluded.
In December 2025, President Joseph Aoun awarded Michel Afram the National Order of the Cedar, Knight rank, in recognition of his "professional integrity, seeking over decades to develop and modernize the agricultural sector in Lebanon."
Under President Joseph Aoun's presidency, unannounced field inspections in public administrations have been conducted in several areas, as part of efforts to combat corruption. In April 2025, for instance, the president made an inspection tour at the Beirut Port and at the vehicle registration center in Dikwaneh, east of the capital, which has remained closed for long periods in recent years, notably as part of a corruption investigation.
