This landmark case reveals the intersection of corporate interests and public authority in France’s luxury sector.
France’s Former Intelligence Chief Sentenced for Influence Peddling Linked to LVMH
France’s Former Intelligence Chief Sentenced for Influence Peddling Linked to LVMH
A Paris court has convicted Bernard Squarcini for misusing his position to assist LVMH in clandestine actions against a journalist.
In a significant ruling on March 7, 2025, Bernard Squarcini, the former head of France’s intelligence agency, was sentenced to four years in prison for his involvement in an illegal surveillance operation orchestrated by luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. The court found him guilty of abusing his authority to benefit the company, indicating the extent to which corporate interests can penetrate state resources.
Upon leaving his intelligence role from 2008 to 2012, Squarcini had transitioned to a security consultancy for LVMH where he allegedly carried out several illicit activities. The court imposed a sentence of two years’ house arrest and two years suspended, alongside a fine of 200,000 euros, equivalent to approximately 217,000 dollars. His legal counsel has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
The case became notably public in its second week when LVMH’s CEO, Bernard Arnault, was summoned to testify. During the court proceedings, Arnault emphasized the legitimate transformation of LVMH into the world's leading luxury brand, claiming no knowledge of any illicit surveillance practices. This contention stands in stark contrast to the court's findings regarding Squarcini.
While LVMH itself was not on trial, the proceedings underscored a troubling narrative about the lengths to which corporations may go to protect their public image. The trial included nine other defendants, notably civil servants and police officials, with two being acquitted. The implications of this case may raise broader questions about accountability within private and public sectors in France, particularly regarding surveillance and corporate governance.
Upon leaving his intelligence role from 2008 to 2012, Squarcini had transitioned to a security consultancy for LVMH where he allegedly carried out several illicit activities. The court imposed a sentence of two years’ house arrest and two years suspended, alongside a fine of 200,000 euros, equivalent to approximately 217,000 dollars. His legal counsel has announced plans to appeal the verdict.
The case became notably public in its second week when LVMH’s CEO, Bernard Arnault, was summoned to testify. During the court proceedings, Arnault emphasized the legitimate transformation of LVMH into the world's leading luxury brand, claiming no knowledge of any illicit surveillance practices. This contention stands in stark contrast to the court's findings regarding Squarcini.
While LVMH itself was not on trial, the proceedings underscored a troubling narrative about the lengths to which corporations may go to protect their public image. The trial included nine other defendants, notably civil servants and police officials, with two being acquitted. The implications of this case may raise broader questions about accountability within private and public sectors in France, particularly regarding surveillance and corporate governance.
