#Criminal litigation and international investigation
Extension of pre-trial detention and the requirement of reasoning
On 6 January 2026, the Cour de cassation overturned a decision confirming the extension of pre-trial detention on the ground that the Investigating Chamber (Chambre de l’instruction) had failed to provide sufficient reasoning in light of the requirement of a reasonable time. It recalled that the extension of detention cannot be justified solely by reference to the seriousness or complexity of the facts but must rely on concrete elements demonstrating the diligence of the proceedings. In particular, the absence of any examination on the merits of the person under formal investigation since the beginning of the detention had to be expressly justified. This decision forms part of the Court’s strict review of the reasoning adopted by investigating courts. >Read the article
#White collar crime
Epstein case: the French National Financial Prosecutor’s Office opens an investigation for “aggravated tax fraud laundering” targeting Jack and Caroline Lang
On 6 February 2026, the French National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (“PNF”) announced the opening of a preliminary investigation for aggravated tax fraud laundering targeting former Minister of Culture and resigning president of the Arab World Institute Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline Lang, after it was revealed Mediapart they had alleged financial ties with Jeffrey Epstein, notably through an offshore company established in 2016. Jack Lang’s lawyer denies that these documents establish close personal ties between his client and Epstein and Caroline Lang announced her resignation as head of a film producers’ union. >Read the article
A large money-laundering network dismantled between France and Romania
Four individuals were formally charged on 6 February 2026 by investigating judges (juges d’instruction) of the Paris Judicial Court in a case of aggravated money laundering opened following reports from the financial intelligence unit Tracfin on suspicious financial flows between France and Romania. Thirteen suspects have been arrested since February 3 as part of an international judicial operation organized with the support of Eurojust. The network is suspected of laundering over €300 million illicit income between 2019 and 2024, from various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, through companies, false-invoice schemes and commissions taken on the funds. Searches and seizures of cash, vehicles, jewelry, and bank assets were carried out in France and Romania. >Read the article
#Arbitration and Mediation
Arbitration: France seeking enhanced cooperation with Morocco
On a conference organised by the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (“CGEM”) under the theme of international arbitration, the French Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, underscored the strategic importance of strengthening cooperation between Paris and Casablanca to support and secure investment flows between Europe and Africa. He insisted on the complementarity between these two cities, further highlighting Casablanca’s structural advantages as a regional dispute resolution hub. The initiative reflects a clear commitment to promoting international arbitration as a preferred mechanism for safeguarding cross-border investments between France and Morocco. >Read the article
