Yesterday(September 29), it is reported that the Paris public prosecutor’s office has announced that it is conducting an investigation into financial transactions involving Bernard Arnault, the billionaire owner of LVMH, and Russian businessman Nikolai Sarkisov. The office confirmed the initiation of a preliminary investigation, emphasizing that this does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of the individuals involved, as the presumption of innocence applies.
Arnault’s spokesperson has chosen not to provide any comment on the matter, while Sarkisov was not immediately available for comment. In an email statement to Reuters, the Paris public prosecutor’s office stated that a preliminary investigation was launched in 2022 and confirmed that transactions involving Arnault and Sarkisov were being examined. The office further mentioned that it would refrain from providing any additional comments regarding the ongoing investigations.
According to a report by Le Monde, it was claimed that Bernard Arnault had participated in a sequence of intricate real estate transactions with the Russian individual in Courchevel, a prestigious Alpine ski resort where Arnault possesses the upscale Cheval Blanc hotel. Le Monde cited a source close to Arnault who asserted that the transaction had been executed in full adherence to the laws and regulations, with the involvement of notaries who were responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations.
