"Bernard Arnault" of the "LVMH" empire is being investigated for money laundering.

French billionaire Bernard Arnault and Russian billionaire Nikolai Sarkisov are the subject of preliminary investigation. The base is involved in “Transactions that may give rise to money laundering offenses”

The French prosecutor's office admitted on Friday that has opened an investigation into "Bernard Arnault", owner of the luxury goods empire "LVMH", that he may have been involved in Russian businessman Nikolai Sarkisov in the case of purchasing several properties in Courchevel. which is a ski resort town in the Alpine mountains and may be related to money laundering The prosecutor has begun investigating since last year. 

Prosecutors' disclosure came after Le Monde newspaper reported, citing France's financial intelligence agency, Trackfin, that in 2561 Sarkisov had purchased several properties in Courche. Vale Through a real estate brokerage company But the final buyer really Back to Arnault

Le Monde reports, citing information from Trackfin's investigation, that the company Laflesh, which is thought to be owned by Sarkisov, It has purchased 14 properties in Courchevel. The amount was €16 million and was a complex transaction through companies established in France, Luxembourg and Cyprus, although Sarkisov was not named as the buyer. But officials believe he is the real owner. Before the company bought three more properties from Croix Realty, which Sarkisov also owns.

Arnault, who owns the LVMH empire that includes luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, is believed to have lent Sarkisov €18.3 million (approx. 714 million baht) and was the buyer of LaFleche Company in December 2561.

However, the French prosecutor's office declined to provide details on the matter. While the preliminary investigation results do not contain sufficient evidence indicating wrongdoing. Just like at Le Monde newspaper. The report quotes a person close to Arnault as saying: The transaction is governed by French law.