Press Review - Week of 10 November 2025

Press Review – Week of 10 November 2025

This week’s press review covers the release, under judicial supervision, of Nicolas Sarkozy after twenty days in pre-trial detention, in connection with the 2007 Libyan financing case. It also reports on the Paris Court of Appeal’s rejection of the final appeals filed by Vincent Bolloré, who is being prosecuted for “corruption of a foreign public official,” thereby paving the way for a potential trial. In addition, it mentions the anti-corruption investigation in Ukraine targeting an associate of President Volodymyr Zelensky, suspected of having set up a large-scale embezzlement and money-laundering scheme involving nearly 100 million dollars, as well as the proceedings against the mayor of Istanbul, who faces up to 2,430 years in prison for allegedly creating a criminal organization aimed at financing his bid for the Turkish presidential election. Finally, it highlights the announcement of the publication of the 2025–2029 multi-year national anti-corruption plan by the French Anti-Corruption Agency.

#White collar crime:

Nicolas Sarkozy released from prison under judicial supervision and prohibited from contacting Gérald Darmanin

After twenty days in pretrial detention, Nicolas Sarkozy was released on 10 November 2025, by a decision of the Paris Court of Appeal. The former president remains under judicial supervision. The court has now barred him from any contact with Gérald Darmanin, the Minister of Justice’s office, and the other defendants. He is also prohibited from leaving the country. This decision comes as part of the appeal process against his five-year prison sentence for criminal conspiracy, handed down in connection with the 2007 presidential campaign Libyan financing case. The appeal trial is scheduled for March 2026. > Read article

Turkey: Facing 142 charges, Istanbul’s opposition mayor risks up to 2,430 years in prison

The mayor of Istanbul, currently in custody, faces a sentence of up to 2,430 years in prison for allegedly establishing a criminal organization aimed at financing his candidacy for the Turkish presidential election. Arrested in March on corruption charges, he is now indicted for 142 offenses, including fraud, money laundering, and bid rigging. The investigation also involves 402 other individuals suspected of participating in the alleged acts. If the Istanbul court validates the indictment, a trial date will be set. > Read article

#Fight against corruption:

“Corruption of a foreign public official” in Togo: a likely trial after the rejection of Vincent Bolloré’s final appeal

On 6 November 2025, the investigating chamber of the Paris Court of Appeal rejected most of the appeals filed by Vincent Bolloré, who is being prosecuted for “corruption of a foreign public official” and “complicity in breach of trust”. The investigation concerns alleged benefits obtained in Togo and Guinea in 2010 linked to political communication services provided by his group. The French National Financial Prosecutor’s Office had requested his referral to the criminal court. Following this ruling, even though Vincent Bolloré can still appeal to the Court of Cassation, the final decision on whether he will be sent to the criminal court now rests with investigating judge Serge Tournaire. > Read article

Ukraine: Zelensky ally accused of organizing a $100 million corruption scheme

The Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) and the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), as part of the fifteen-month-long “Midas” operation, have implicated Tymur Mindich, a close associate of President Zelensky, suspected of organizing a diversion and money-laundering scheme valued at approximately 100 million dollars in the energy sector. The investigation has led to around 70 searches and the implication of seven individuals. Mindich is alleged to have exercised control over the management and concealment of illicit funds thanks to his proximity to the presidency. The current Minister of Justice, a former Minister of Energy, is also implicated for having received “personal benefits”. > Read article

#AFA audit:

A new direction for public anti-corruption policy: the 2025–2029 plan

The 2025–2029 National Anti-Corruption Plan ushers in a new phase in the implementation of the Sapin II Act by strengthening public action in response to growing risks of integrity breaches. It sets out a comprehensive strategy, now overseen by an interministerial committee and coordinated by the French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA), to improve prevention across all public administrations. These bodies will be required to deepen their risk mapping, expand staff training, and reinforce the security of their procedures, particularly in public procurement. The plan also highlights the need to better address the influence of organized crime in certain sensitive sectors. On the enforcement and international fronts, it provides for increased support for investigations, enhanced cooperation with foreign partners, and expanded assistance to local authorities and businesses to help strengthen their prevention systems. > Read article