CJIP Observatory : Key to understand French DPA

Since its creation by the Sapin II law of 9 December 2016, the Judicial Public Interest Agreement (“Convention Judiciaire d’Intérêt Public” or “CJIP”) has demonstrated its flexibility in handling various types of cases, both in terms of geographical location and the breadth of offenses covered. Initially, the CJIP underwent testing by the National Financial Prosecutor’s (“PNF”) Office in cross-border cases involving multiple prosecuting authorities. Subsequently, regional prosecutor’s offices started using CJIPs more modest cases. Since the implementation of this alternative to prosecutions, the Public Interest Judicial Agreement (hereinafter “CJIP”), 58 agreements have been concluded. Initially implemented to combat major financial crimes, particularly corruption and tax fraud offenses, the CJIP has also become, since the law of 24 December 2020, the preferred tool to address environmental violations, with 9 CJIPs concluded over the past 12 months.