#White collar crime
Attempted bribery, data theft at customs… When spies target French experts abroad
In February 2026, the Direction Générale de la Sécurité Intérieure (DGSI) published its 118th economic interference bulletin regarding “stays abroad that are conducive to foreign recruitment efforts.” Reviewing three cases of interference, the DGSI warns of “intrusive approaches” targeting corporate executives, experts, and researchers. These operations often rely on classic intelligence techniques, aimed at exploiting venality and trust. The broad freedom of action enjoyed by foreign intelligence services during customs inspections conducted outside national territory also facilitates the siphoning of data. Security checks can thus lead to the exploitation of digital devices (cell phones, computers). In this regard, the DGSI recommends extreme vigilance to prevent industrial and scientific espionage against French economic actors. >Read the article.
Nicolas Barret, prosecutor: “In money laundering cases, investigations should no longer start from drug proceeds”
Nicolas Barret, First Vice-Prosecutor in charge of the financial crime section within the Paris Interregional Specialised Jurisdiction (JIRS), highlights the benefit of more frequent reliance on the concept of a “presumption of money laundering.” This mechanism, introduced by the 2013 legislation, makes it possible to characterise suspicious transactions based on atypical financial situations, without requiring prior identification of the predicate offence. It entails an adjustment of the burden of proof, whereby the person concerned must demonstrate the lawful origin of the funds, while remaining consistent with the rights of the defence given its nature as a rebuttable presumption. This approach seeks to address evidentiary challenges arising from the opacity of complex financial arrangements and to promote an autonomous qualification of money laundering based on objective indicators of concealment. >Read the article.
In Lyon, a police officer suspected of corruption in the Colombian mercenaries case
On 15 March 2026, a police officer serving in a unit combating illegal immigration was arrested in Lyon, suspected of passive corruption, breach of professional secrecy, and criminal conspiracy. He is accused of repeatedly transmitting confidential information from police databases, including addresses and identifying details, to a criminal network linked to Colombian mercenaries involved in targeted homicide plots, in exchange for financial benefits,. On 19 March, he was formally charged with all these offenses and placed in pre-trial detention. The investigation highlights his alleged involvement in a structured criminal organization. >Read the article.
#Arbitration and Mediation
Fraus omnia corrumpit… Really? Paris courts and the enforcement of awards facing corruption allegations
On 24 March 2026, as part of Paris Arbitration Week, Navacelle hosted the panel “Fraus omnia corrumpit… really? Paris courts and the enforcement of awards facing corruption allegations.” The discussions highlighted a shift in case law towards a more nuanced approach: French courts no longer automatically sanction corruption but instead seek to isolate its effects to prevent any undue benefit, as illustrated in particular by the Averda and Cardno decisions. The speakers also addressed the growing role of arbitrators (duty to investigate and to provide reasoned decisions), the critical importance of evidence and expert input in neutralizing the effects of corruption, as well as the practical implications for parties: anticipation, documentation, compliance, and transparency are becoming essential to ensure the robustness and enforcement of awards. > Read the article.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) registers an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation
On 25 March 2026, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) acknowledged receipt of the appeal lodged by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).The appeal concerns the CAF’s decision confirming the forfeit defeat of the Senegal national team in the Africa Cup of Nations final, thereby awarding a 3–0 victory to the Morocco national team. The FSF seeks the annulment of this decision and its recognition as the winner of the competition. An arbitral panel will be constituted and a procedural timetable established. The FSF has requested a suspension of the twenty-day deadline for filing its appeal brief, pending notification of the full grounds for the CAF’s decision, making the timeline for the proceedings uncertain at this stage. According to CAS’ Executive Director Matthieu Reeb, the CAS is fully equipped to adjudicate this dispute with due diligence. > Read the article.
