France’s Ex-Intelligence Chief Convicted in Influence Peddling Trial Involving LVMH

Published On Mar 7, 2025, 11:21 AM

A Paris court has convicted Bernard Squarcini, France's former intelligence chief, for abusing his position to benefit luxury brand LVMH. He was involved in an illegal surveillance operation against a journalist and faces a four-year sentence, two of which are under house arrest. The trial also highlighted the influence of LVMH and its CEO, Bernard Arnault, although the company itself was not charged. Arnault testified in court, denying knowledge of the surveillance activities.