Overview
- Investigative outlet L’Informé reports the Tracfin note that triggered a 2023 probe into Carlos Martens Bilongo was riddled with errors, including a confusion between income tax and corporate tax.
- Bilongo alleges the alert followed his criticism of the UAE’s role in COP28 and claims a foreign state influenced the move.
- Public Accounts Minister Amélie de Montchalin says Tracfin cannot self-initiate, confirms a declaration of suspicion was received, and denies any request from a foreign authority while noting the source is legally confidential.
- The preliminary inquiry opened in May 2023 for suspected tax fraud and money laundering was closed in January 2025 with no infraction found.
- La France insoumise leaders are pressing for explanations and reparations, and the National Assembly’s president has been asked for an official response.