In short
- OCCRP states prosecutors accuse Dati of receiving 900,000 euros between 2010 and 2012 for consulting services without performing any work.
- OCCRP notes Carlos Ghosn, co-defendant, faces charges including abuse of corporate assets and has lived as a fugitive in Lebanon since 2019.
What happened
Criminal proceedings began against Rachida Dati, France's former Minister of Justice, over allegations she received 900,000 euros from a Renault-Nissan subsidiary for consulting services she allegedly did not perform. The trial, which started Wednesday, is scheduled to run through September 28 in Paris.
Dati stands trial alongside Carlos Ghosn, former CEO of Renault-Nissan, who faces multiple charges including abuse of corporate assets and corruption. Dati's defense claims she worked exclusively as a lawyer for the RNBV Alliance and that accusations of influence-peddling at the European Parliament are baseless.
The defense will demonstrate that Rachida Dati worked exclusively as a lawyer for the RNBV Alliance and that the baseless accusations of alleged influence-peddling at the European Parliament are an artificial construct of the prosecution,
In numbers
- 900,000 euros Amount allegedly received by Dati
- 2010 and 2012 Period of alleged payments
Named in this item
What compliance teams should check
- Review client and third-party payments for consulting services to Renault-Nissan and its Dutch subsidiary between 2010 and 2012.
- Screen for transactions involving Rachida Dati, Carlos Ghosn, and the RNBV Alliance for typologies of abuse of authority and breach of trust.
- Monitor for influence-peddling risks involving Members of the European Parliament and cross-reference with OCCRP's reporting on this case.
Why it matters
This case highlights the risks of corruption and abuse of authority involving high-profile political and corporate figures, especially when payments are made for consulting services without clear evidence of work performed. Compliance officers must be vigilant in identifying and reporting suspicious transactions, particularly those involving public officials and international organizations. The proceedings underscore the importance of robust due diligence and monitoring for influence-peddling and breach of trust, as these typologies can expose institutions to significant legal and reputational risks.
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