Renovation work: a contractor sentenced to prison after abandoned construction sites and over €200.000 in damages

This case illustrates the abuses that still exist in renovation work.

The Marseille criminal court sentenced Mr. Laurent Pepoli to one year of imprisonment, a fine of €10.000, a ban on practicing and managing a company for five years, and ordered him to compensate the victims in the amount of more than €200.000.

This decision follows an investigation conducted jointly by agents of the Departmental Directorate for the Protection of Populations (DDPP) of Bouches-du-Rhône, attached to the DGCCRF, and the military of the autonomous territorial brigade of Cassis, under the authority of the public prosecutor of Marseille.

More than 10.000 reports in the construction sector by 2025

The DGCCRF reminds us that home renovation and construction work remains a particularly sensitive sector.

In 2025, the administration recorded more than 10.000 reports concerning works or renovation operations, leading to the maintenance of enhanced surveillance in order to protect consumers against fraudulent practices.

A well-established operating procedure

The investigation revealed a recurring pattern.

After soliciting clients on social networks or via networking platforms, the contractor would draw up a quote and then request a deposit generally representing 30 to 40% of the amount of the work.

The construction work would then begin, sometimes with shoddy workmanship, before the contractor would demand payment for the remaining balance. Once the funds were collected, several projects were abandoned despite contractual obligations.

Investigators also indicate that consumers received numerous fallacious explanations to justify delays or the cessation of work, without ever obtaining a refund of the sums paid.

A fake professional insurance policy presented to clients

The investigation also revealed that the contractor presented his clients with a false certificate of professional insurance, even though no insurance had been taken out.

Furthermore, he failed to comply with his legal obligation to join a consumer mediation scheme.

These factors contributed to worsening the harm suffered by individuals, who believed they were benefiting from the guarantees normally associated with this type of activity.

A conviction for several offenses

At the end of the proceedings, the Marseille criminal court found the defendant guilty:

• of fraud;
• repeat fraud;
• fake;
• use of forged documents;
• of deceptive business practices.

In addition to the prison sentence and fine, the court imposed a five-year ban on practicing his profession, the confiscation of cash seized during the search, and compensation for the victims.

The DGCCRF announces the continuation of inspections.

Through this case, the DGCCRF reiterates that the economic protection of consumers remains a priority.

The administration indicates that it will continue its controls in 2026 in the home improvement sector in order to verify compliance with rules relating to consumer information and fair business practices.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.