By Paul de Neuville, Paris correspondent, for Eurasia Business News – December 19, 2025. article no. 1939
French police have searched French politician Rachida Dati’s home and several offices as part of a judicial corruption investigation linked to her past work as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP). She denies wrongdoing and has not been convicted; the inquiry is ongoing.
Investigators are trying to determine whether French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who hopes to become Paris mayor next year, accepted nearly €300,000 in undeclared payments from a major French energy group. Dati, who has faced accusations of influence peddling for more than a decade, denies any wrongdoing.
What was searched
Investigators carried out raids at Dati’s private residence, the French culture ministry, and the Paris 7th arrondissement town hall, where she serves as mayor.
Several other private homes and offices linked to her were also searched under the authority of the national financial prosecutor’s office.
What the investigation is about
The probe, opened in October, focuses on suspected active and passive corruption, influence peddling, embezzlement of public funds, concealment, and money laundering tied to her mandate as an MEP.
Investigators are examining allegations that she received roughly €300,000 in undeclared payments from energy group GDF Suez (now Engie) around 2010–2011 for consulting or lobbying work.
Dati’s situation and Azerbaijan
Dati, currently culture minister and a prominent conservative figure in President Emmanuel Macron’s wider governing camp, is also seen as a leading contender for the 2026 Paris mayoral race. Rachida Dati is also a former ally of president Nicolas Sarkozy.
In a separate case, Dati has already been ordered to stand trial alongside former Renault‑Nissan chief Carlos Ghosn over alleged corrupt consulting contracts, charges she firmly denies.
During her time as a Member of the European Parliament, Dati was one of the prominent voices opposing a critical report on the state of democracy and political prisoners in Azerbaijan, a vote later discussed in the context of “caviar diplomacy” and alleged attempts by Baku to influence European officials
What Dati says
Her lawyers and office have so far declined detailed public comment on the new raids, stressing her presumption of innocence while the investigation continues.
Dati has consistently rejected accusations of corruption or illicit lobbying, insisting that all fees she received for legal or consulting work were legitimate and declared as required.
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© Copyright 2025 – Eurasia Business News. Article no. 1939
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