Searches in France and Europe investigating suspected financial crimes

Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France were investigated simultaneously, particularly as part of investigations opened into allegations of aggravated breach of trust, aggravated misappropriation of corporate assets and aggravated money laundering.

Two years after the publication of an investigative book denouncing numerous abuses at Orpia, the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office announced that it had launched a search in mid-January as part of an investigation into suspected financial crimes targeting a private nursing group. Houses are placed under the control of the Caisse des Dépôts. The operation, carried out simultaneously in Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Luxembourg, Switzerland and France, is part of a judicial investigation related to the financial aspect, Friday 26 January, the public prosecutor’s office of Nanterre (Hautes-de-) mentioned. scene).

A hearing was also conducted by four investigative judges who seized the case at the Nanterre Judicial Court. The investigation has, in particular, opened allegations of aggravated breach of trust, aggravated misappropriation of company assets and aggravated money laundering. As part of this financial investigation, three former managers of the group were indicted. A rare occurrence in this type of financial case, two of them were placed in pre-trial detention on the same day.

“The group is fully cooperating with the courts”

Contacted by AFP, the Orpia group confirmed that the discovery was made after this “Complaints that the group has filed” After the scandal broke, “against X” Before, after “nominatively” Against former former leaders. “The group is fully cooperating with the justice system,” added an Orpia spokesperson, without elaborating on where the search was conducted.

The operations constitute a new development in multiple lawsuits targeting the group, which manages 350 establishments in France, in turmoil following the publication of an investigative book on January 26, 2022. Gravediggers, written by journalist Victor Castanet. He condemned mistreatment of residents, misuse of public funds and deficiencies in staff management.