Ghosn faces corruption charges while remaining fugitive in Lebanon
Ghosn faces corruption charges but remains a fugitive in Lebanon since 2019.
Event / Politics
Rachida Dati Corruption Trial
Corruption trial of former French Justice and Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Renault-Nissan former CEO Carlos Ghosn, involving allegations of illegal payments and lobbying.
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2026-09-05 to 2026-11-05 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Sept, 08:15 UTC
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What happened
Formal investigation into alleged corruption opened in summer 2019
Following the shareholder complaint, a formal investigation was opened in summer 2019. A search of Renault's headquarters subsequently uncovered a disputed contract between Renault-Nissan BV and Rachida Dati that became central to the corruption allegations.
Rachida Dati received 900,000 euros in legal fees from Renault-Nissan
Between 2010 and 2012, Renault-Nissan BV paid Rachida Dati 300,000 euros annually in legal fees, totaling 900,000 euros. At the time, Dati served as a Member of the European Parliament while also practicing as an attorney. Prosecutors allege these payments compensated for lobbying activities on behalf of the automaker at the European Parliament rather than legitimate legal work.
Carlos Ghosn faces corruption and abuse of power charges
Former Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn was charged with active corruption, active influence trafficking, abuse of power, and breach of trust. Prosecutors allege Ghosn used company funds from Renault-Nissan BV to pay Rachida Dati 900,000 euros without corresponding legitimate work. Ghosn, who has been residing in Lebanon since December 2019, requested postponement of the trial and offered to participate via videoconference from Beirut.
Rachida Dati trial on corruption charges opens in Paris
Former French Minister of Culture and Justice Rachida Dati appeared before the Paris correctional court on September 16, 2026, facing charges of passive corruption, passive influence trafficking, and complicity in abuse of power and breach of trust. The trial is scheduled for six court sessions running through September 28, 2026.
Carlos Ghosn has been a fugitive in Lebanon since 2019
Carlos Ghosn, the 72-year-old former CEO of Renault-Nissan, fled to Lebanon in December 2019. An international arrest warrant and French arrest warrant issued in April 2022 remain in effect. Ghosn claims the procedural deadlines for his French summons were not respected and requested the trial be postponed, asserting he wishes to actively participate and defend himself against charges he contests.
Rachida Dati posed three automotive-related questions in European Parliament
During her tenure as MEP in 2012 and 2013, Rachida Dati submitted three written questions to the European Commission on automotive sector issues. Prosecutors allege these questions were related to private interests she had failed to disclose. Dati's defense characterized the questions as insignificant and pointed to her documented absenteeism in the European Parliament chamber.
Rachida Dati seeks reintegration into French judiciary
Rachida Dati announced her intention to rejoin the French judiciary as a deputy prosecutor at the central Justice administration. The Superior Council of the Magistracy is scheduled to render its opinion in October 2026, after the trial concludes but before the tribunal's verdict. If approved and she is not declared ineligible by the court, she could maintain her position as mayor of the 7th arrondissement of Paris.
Potential penalties for defendants in corruption trial
Both defendants face potential imprisonment of up to ten years. Carlos Ghosn additionally faces a possible fine of 375,000 euros. Rachida Dati faces a possible fine of 450,000 euros, equivalent to half the legal fees received. She also risks ineligibility from holding office for up to five years, which could be enforced immediately.
Prosecutors question authenticity of Rachida Dati's legal work for Renault
The National Financial Prosecutor's Office expressed doubt about the reality of legal work performed by Rachida Dati, citing rare documents discovered during investigations. No written evidence such as emails, notes, or correspondence was found to substantiate the work Dati claimed to have performed. Dati countered that Carlos Ghosn explicitly requested she not maintain written records and communicated assignments only verbally during meetings and phone calls.
Renault shareholder filed corruption complaint in April 2019
Renault shareholder Danièle Coutaz-Repland filed a complaint with the National Financial Prosecutor's Office in April 2019 alleging corruption, abuse of corporate assets, and complicity. The complaint targeted excessive and opaque remuneration distributed by Renault-Nissan BV, the joint venture supporting the French-Japanese alliance, when Carlos Ghosn served as its CEO. Coutaz-Repland died in January 2024.
Investigation into Dati's alleged Azerbaijan and Qatar interests
Judges are investigating potential conflicts of interest between Rachida Dati and Azerbaijan and Qatar during her time as a Member of European Parliament. Searches were conducted at her residences and her office in the 7th arrondissement of Paris in mid-December 2025.
Dati served as Culture Minister under Macron
Rachida Dati was appointed Minister of Culture by President Emmanuel Macron in 2024 and left the position one month before the municipal elections.
Rachida Dati requests reinstatement to magistracy
Rachida Dati, former Justice Minister, requested reinstatement to the magistracy at age 60. She obtained a position as 'first substitute to the central administration of justice' within the Ministry of Justice. The Superior Council of the Magistracy (CSM) must provide its opinion before the appointment is finalized, expected within two weeks to one month.
Dati under witness status in related judicial matter
In May 2026, Rachida Dati was placed under witness-assisted status in a case related to the Renault-Carlos Ghosn affair, involving a possible private investigation against a couple who filed a complaint against her. Witness-assisted status is more favorable than being formally charged.
Investigation into alleged jewelry non-disclosure by Dati
The financial and anti-corruption brigade (BFAC) of the Paris judicial police is investigating suspected non-disclosure of jewelry to the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life (HATVP), following reports received notably in June 2025 by the Paris prosecutor's office.
Dati defeated in Paris mayoral election
Rachida Dati, the right-wing (LR) mayor of Paris's 7th arrondissement, was defeated in the March 2026 municipal elections. She lost the position of Paris mayor to Emmanuel Grégoire.
Rachida Dati scheduled for trial on corruption charges
Rachida Dati is scheduled to stand trial from September 16 to 28 before the Paris correctional court for corruption and passive influence trafficking. She is accused of an alleged corruption pact and illegal lobbying in the European Parliament from 2009 to 2019 on behalf of Renault and its then-CEO Carlos Ghosn. Between 2009 and 2013, she received 900,000 euros under a lawyers' compensation agreement. She faces up to ten years imprisonment and five years of ineligibility.
USM magistrates' union criticizes Dati's reinstatement timing
The USM, the main magistrates' union, criticized Rachida Dati's request for reinstatement, with union president Ludovic Friat stating that the reinstatement just days before a high-profile criminal trial 'sends a contradictory message' given ongoing criticism of judicial institutions' ethics and reputation.
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2 alternative perspectives
Trial reveals questions about Dati's 900,000-euro legal work for Renault
Trial examines authenticity of Dati's 900,000-euro Renault legal fees amid prosecutor skepticism.
Dati's political ascent faces setback as trial unfolds
Dati's mayoral defeat and corruption trial mark a sharp decline from her ministerial career.
Dati seeks magistracy reinstatement amid ongoing corruption trial
Dati seeks magistracy reinstatement while facing corruption trial, prompting union criticism.
Dati faces trial on corruption charges amid financial disclosure probe
Former justice minister Dati scheduled for trial on corruption and financial disclosure charges.