A former Lebanese economy minister is arrested on corruption charges

A former Lebanese Cabinet minister has been arrested and charged after an investigation into alleged financial crimes. Judicial and security officials tell The Associated Press that former Economy Minister Amin Salam was detained after an interrogation about illegal use of ministry funds and use of suspicious contracts. Lebanon has been trying to reform its battered economy, which has been rife with profiteering. Salam has been charged with forgery, embezzlement, and misuse of public funds. Salam shared a video on social media in which he denied the reports and said he used the funds to increase the committee's efficacy and transparency.