Influence peddling and corruption: a former prefect, three mayors and construction contractors sentenced

In total, 13 people and two companies were tried in May and June in Paris, in a two-part case whose investigation began with suspicions surrounding Alain Gardère's lifestyle.

The latter, now 68, was sentenced to 2 years in prison, one of which was to be served under an electronic tag, and a fine of 250.000 euros, found guilty of 13 of the 19 offences for which he was being prosecuted, including influence peddling, illegal taking of interests and misappropriation of public funds.

At the time, he was prefect of airport sites in the Paris region (2012-2014) then director of the National Council for Private Security Activities (CNAPS, 2015-2016).

In these functions, he had a "repetitive and systematic approach of soliciting gifts in exchange for compensation", which allowed him to "benefit from a catalogue of advantages and gifts", declared the president of the court, citing in particular plane trips, invitations to restaurants, boxes at the Stade de France, discount on real estate, renovation work carried out free of charge...

Starting with Alain Gardère, the investigation then focused on a real estate developer, Antonio de Sousa, leading to the second part of the case.

"Keystone of a system of corruption and influence set up with elected officials", he escaped detention: he was given a 5-year prison sentence, 2 of which were firm under an ankle monitor, as well as a fine of 2 million euros.

The LR councilor of Ozoir-la-Ferrière (Seine-et-Marne), Jean-François Oneto, must leave his town hall: the court pronounced a sentence of ineligibility of 5 years with provisional execution, i.e. of immediate application even in the event of an appeal. He was also sentenced to 4 years in prison, including 2 years firm under bracelet and the maximum fine of 375.000 euros.

The mayor was found guilty of corruption for having secretly received 531.000 euros to buy land in Corsica, in exchange for decisions favoring real estate projects in his commune.

The same consequence for Sinclair Vouriot, mayor (DVD) of Saint-Thibault-des-Vignes in the same department, declared ineligible without delay and sentenced to 3 years, including 1 year in prison under an ankle monitor, and a fine of 200.000 euros.

Gérald Hérault, former mayor (PS) of Montgeron (Essonne), was sentenced to 18 months in prison, including 6 months under an ankle monitor, with immediate ineligibility.

Five other men, including two construction contractors and two companies, were also convicted, while three people were acquitted.