Again the Russian trace: French billionaire is suspected of money laundering
The billionaire representative refused to comment, and it was not possible to contact Sarkisov. However, in a statement sent by the Reuters Agency by e -mail, the Paris Prosecutor's Office reported that the preliminary investigation had been initiated in 2022. The agency confirmed that it was an equipment with the participation of Arno and Sarkisov, but further comments French law enforcement officers refused to give.
With reference to the French newspaper Le Monde Reuters reports that Sarkisov has acquired real estate at the luxurious alpine ski resort of Kurchawell by holding a complex agreement, in which Arno provided a loan through one of his companies. The publication also cited a person close to Arno, who stated that the agreement was carried out in full compliance with the French legislation.
However, it is argued that the CEO of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE paid Sarkisov about 20 million euros for asset possession, and Sarkisov allegedly received about 2 million euros from transactions. Investigators, according to Reuters, stated that transactions hide the origin of funds and the identity of the end buyer - Arno.
"The unnamed representative of France Tracfin informed Le Monde that transactions with the participation of Arno and Sarkisov, who both acted through a complex network of legal entities could be aimed at concealing the origin of the funds used," the agency reports. According to Reuters, the French newspaper reported that Sarkisov bought a series of real estate in 2018 in Kurechavel through intermediary companies, but Arno was the final beneficiary of the purchase.
Recall that in May, Focus wrote that Bernard Arno, a magnate, which deals with luxury, lost the title of the richest man in the world after the LVMH shares have fallen sharply. According to the list of billionaires forbes World's Billionaires List, a 74-year-old businessman, despite the loss of a large amount, still remains $ 319 billion. Arno received the title of the richest man in the world in December 2022, moving the mask from the first place due to the fall in the value of Tesla shares.
In February this year, Bloomberg reported that the Frenchman was working on a plan of continuity to prevent any future strife between five adults for his huge wealth. The plan envisages the creation of a new holding company that will divide the funds equally between its descendants in an attempt to ensure the preservation of LVMH in the family in the future. Earlier, Focus reported that Bernard Arno bought a unique estate with his own vineyard - the residence of Leonardo da Vinci in Milan.