France investigates former President Sarkozy for selling influence to Russian insurance company

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy (C) arrives for a hearing of his trial on corruption charges at Paris' courthouse, Paris, Dec. 7, 2020. The French Financial Prosecution Office (PNF) has opened a preliminary investigation for "influence peddling" targeting Nicolas Sarkozy's consulting activities in Russia, corroborating what sources said on Jan. 15, 2021, confirming information from online newspaper Mediapart. (Photo by MARTIN BUREAU / AFP)

by German Press Agency - DPA

Jan 15, 2021 11:45 pm

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed under preliminary investigation for "influence peddling," French media reported on Friday.

The former head of state is under scrutiny for advisory work he undertook for a Russian insurance company, the reports said. Judiciary sources confirmed the launch of the investigation to the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa) but declined to give details.

Separately, Sarkozy – who was in power from 2007 to 2012 – is on trial on charges of bribery and illicit influence. The prosecution has demanded a sentence of four years in prison and a verdict is expected on March 1.

Sources close to the former head of state have stated that Sarkozy's advisory activities complied with legal and professional ethical rules, according to a report from Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Last Update: January 16, 2021 18:07