Sarkozy served as president from 2007 to 2012 and retains influence among conservatives, even after retiring. Investigators had been wiretapping conversations between Sarkozy and his lawyer Thierry Herzog from 2013 as they delved into allegations of Libyan financing of Sarkozy's 2007 campaign. As they did, they learned that Sarkozy and his lawyer were communicating using mobile phones registered under false names. Sarkozy is due in court again later this month, on charges of violating campaign financing rules during his failed 2012 re-election bid. Prosecutors are also investigating allegations that Gaddafi provided Sarkozy’s 2007 campaign with millions of euros shipped to Paris in suitcases.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 01, 2021 17:03 UTC