Former French Intelligence Chief Bernard Squarcini Sentenced in LVMH Influence-Peddling Case

Squarcini received a four-year sentence, with two years suspended, for leveraging his networks to benefit LVMH and its CEO Bernard Arnault.

Bernard Squarcini, ex-head of France's domestic intelligence agency, was convicted of multiple charges, including influence-peddling and misuse of public resources.
The Paris court sentenced him to four years in prison, with two years suspended, and imposed a €200,000 fine and a five-year professional ban in intelligence-related fields.
Squarcini's actions included unauthorized surveillance of journalist-turned-politician François Ruffin and accessing confidential information for LVMH's benefit.
The court reclassified some charges and dismissed others, though the prosecutor had sought a harsher sentence, citing the severity of the offenses.
Squarcini plans to appeal the verdict, with his defense citing procedural flaws and his long-standing service to the French state.