Former head of France's intelligence service sentenced for influence peddling

Bernard Squarcini, the former head of France's national intelligence service, has been sentenced to four years in prison for influence peddling and misuse of his position. The court also imposed a €200,000 fine and banned him from intelligence-related activities for five years.

Bernard Squarcini, the former head of France’s national intelligence service, has been sentenced to four years in prison by a Paris court for influence peddling and the illegal use of his official position.

Squarcini was found to have used his security contacts for personal benefit, including obtaining confidential information for the luxury brand LVMH. In addition to the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of €200,000 and prohibited Squarcini from engaging in any intelligence or consulting-related activities for the next five years.

Bernard Arnault, the CEO of LVMH and France’s richest individual, gave testimony during the trial but was not charged. He stated that he was unaware of any scheme involving the protection of the company through Squarcini’s actions.

The trial also raised the possibility that Squarcini may have been involved in surveillance of former journalist François Raffin, who is now a left-wing politician. Further investigation into this matter continues.