Former French Intelligence Chief Faces Trial Over Alleged LVMH Influence-Peddling

Bernard Squarcini, accused of leveraging state resources for private gain, awaits a verdict in March, with LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault denying involvement.

Bernard Squarcini, former head of France's domestic intelligence agency, is on trial for 11 charges including influence-peddling, misuse of public funds, and espionage for LVMH.
The allegations include using state resources to surveil journalist-turned-politician François Ruffin and his newspaper Fakir during the production of the satirical documentary 'Merci Patron!'.
LVMH settled the case in 2021 by paying €10 million in fines without admitting guilt, while neither the company nor Arnault were charged.
Testifying as a witness, Arnault denied knowledge of the alleged operations, attributing responsibility to his late deputy Pierre Godé, and criticized Ruffin for purportedly exploiting the trial for political and media attention.
Prosecutors have requested a suspended four-year prison sentence and a €300,000 fine for Squarcini, with penalties for nine other defendants ranging from fines to suspended prison terms.