Bangladesh, Sept. 15 -- French investigators have launched a formal corruption inquiry into former Lebanese prime minister and billionaire businessman Najib Mikati, raising new questions about political corruption and financial misconduct within Lebanons ruling elite. The probe, announced on September 14, follows a complaint lodged in 2024 by anti-corruption organizations and a collective of Lebanese victims who accuse Mikati and members of his family of amassing vast fortunes through fraudulent practices.

The investigation is being handled by Frances National Financial Prosecutors Office, which specializes in complex financial crimes, although the office has so far declined to comment publicly. Still, the inquirys confirmation by the la...