French judges set to seize hundreds of millions of euros from tycoon Bernard Tapie
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.French investigating judges plan to seize hundreds of millions of euros worth of assets and bank accounts belonging to the business tycoon Bernard Tapie.
The move is the latest twist in the 'Tapie-Sarkozy scandal' - the alleged fixing by former President Nicolas Sarkozy and his staff of a supposedly independent €405m arbitration in Mr Tapie's favour in 2008.
Mr Tapie, 70, and three other people, including a senior retired judge, have been formally accused of "conspiracy to defraud" the French state. To justify the seizure of his assets - including several properties, controlling shares in two newspapers and the contents of fifteen bank accounts - the three investigating judges said: "Bernard Tapie appears to be the principal beneficiary.. of a fraud which he appears to have helped to organise."
It is alleged that Mr Sarkozy's staff conspired with Mr Tapie and others to impose a sweetheart settlement in 2008 of a 15-year legal wrangle between the tycoon and the French state. Both Mr Sarkozy and his friend, Mr Tapie, deny all wrong-doing.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments