Main suspect in airline scam released
Lebanon, Judicial, 12/10/1997

The main suspect in a scandal involving the leasing by Middle East Airlines of three Airbus jetliners from Singapore Airlines was released Wednesday, pending further investigations.

Lebanese businessman Marwan Bardawil, owner of the offshore Bardawil Aviation company and the only suspect to be detained in the case, had been in police custody since November 24. He had repeatedly pleaded innocence, saying he was not involved in the alleged deal.

Prosecutor General Adnan Addoum on Tuesday said he was keeping Bardawil in custody until enough evidence is gathered to clear his name. He added Bardawil was an "important link to the case," which is why he was being detained.

Meanwhile, Bardawil's lawyers accused the judicial authorities of illegally holding their client for two weeks without any arrest warrant or official charge.

"There has been a gross miscarriage of justice," a statement released by the lawyers said. "Marwan has become a scapegoat for those who want to hide the truth," the statement added.

Judicial sources said they expected Thursday to be a "decisive" day in interrogations involving the suspicious MEA deal.

The investigations have been ordered by the Central Bank, who owns 99 percent of Lebanon's national carrier. They have been carried out mainly by Brig. Beshara Salem, chief of the central criminal investigations department.

Salem has extensively questioned MEA Chairman Khaled Salam and his son Saleem, as well as other members of MEA's board of directors.

The prosecution is focusing on the sub-leasing in June by MEA officials of three Airbuses from Singapore Airlines for $37 million, almost their new sale price.

Investigations have so far shown that the sub-leasing was not approved by Middle East Airlines' board of directors.

Previous Stories:
  Lebanese resistance reports hit on Israeli troops   (12/10/1997)
  Investigation continues into MEA deal   (12/2/1997)
  Businessman in custody over MEA Dubai deal   (11/29/1997)

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