Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the Russian oligarchs, many of whom live or occasionally reside in France, have been rather discreet. But our Liberation colleagues were interested in one of them, Nikolai Sarkisov, a billionaire with somewhat shady friendships. According to the DGSI, the businessman, who lives in a 600m2 avenue Foch, would have had activities “in connection with organized crime”. A preliminary investigation led by the PNF has been open since 2020 because the founder of the number 2 insurance company in Russia would have granted Nicolas Sarkozy a contract of 3 million euros which intrigues justice.
Employed as a “luxury consultant”, the former head of state would therefore have been handsomely remunerated. Since the summer of 2020, a preliminary investigation has therefore been opened for “influence peddling” following a statement by Tracfin. A transfer of 500,000 euros addressed to the former boss of the Republicans caught the attention of a bank, which then seized the anti-money laundering service of the Ministry of Finance in Bercy. “Edmond de Rothschild, the establishment which houses the accounts of the former head of state, had not seen fit to do so.“, specify our colleagues from Liberation.
Another point that intrigues justice: the contract signed between the former French head of state and Reso Garantia, the company controlled by the Russian billionaire and his brother. Contract which still amounts to 3 million euros. The Moscow insurance group hired Sarkozy as “special adviser” and “chairman of the strategic advisory committee to the board of directors” in July 2019, a spokesperson explained to Mediapart in 2021. He “is a excellent negotiator and an excellent lawyer”, detailed the office of Sarkisov. “We are very satisfied with the progress that has been made in commercial matters” thanks to “Mr. Sarkozy”, welcomed Reso Garantia.
Solicited by our colleagues from Liberation, the spokesperson for the former tenant of the Élysée only indicates that his mission being “over”, the former president left the Russian group in the fall of 2021.
Thibaud Cruz
See also: Louis Sarkozy has changed a lot!