Sarkozy Found Guilty of “Criminal Association” in Gaddafi Funding Scandal – Facing Up to 10 Years in Prison
Paris, France – September 25, 2025, 11:11 a.m. – In a landmark and unprecedented ruling,former French President nicolas Sarkozy has been found guilty of forming a “criminal association” linked to illicit funding from the late Libyan dictator Muammar al-Gaddafi. The verdict,delivered today by a Parisian criminal court,marks a stunning fall from grace for the once-powerful politician and sets a new precedent in French legal history.
While acquitted of charges of bribery and illegal campaign financing, the conviction for criminal association carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison and a substantial fine. Sarkozy’s legal team has already announced plans to appeal the decision.
the case centers around allegations that Sarkozy orchestrated a clandestine pact with Gaddafi to secure funding for his successful 2007 presidential campaign. Prosecutors argued that millions of euros from Libya were channeled through intermediaries to finance Sarkozy’s bid for the Élysée Palace.
“This is a momentous day for accountability in French politics,” stated a legal analyst following the verdict. “The conviction, even on the lesser charge, demonstrates that no one is above the law, regardless of their former position.”
A Decade-Long Investigation
The investigation into the alleged Libyan funding began nearly a decade ago, meticulously piecing together a complex web of secret meetings, financial transactions, and incriminating diary entries from gaddafi’s inner circle.The case file alone spans over 70 volumes, highlighting the extensive nature of the inquiry.
Evidence presented during the trial included testimony regarding suspicious payments to middlemen and detailed accounts of clandestine encounters between Sarkozy’s associates and Libyan officials. A key piece of evidence was the documented visit of Gaddafi to the Élysée Palace shortly after Sarkozy’s election in late 2007, a symbolic gesture that fueled speculation about a quid pro quo arrangement.
twelve Others Also charged
Sarkozy was not alone in facing prosecution. Twelve other individuals, including three former ministers, were also charged in connection with the scandal. The outcome of their cases remains pending.
What’s Next?
The sentencing phase of the trial is yet to be determined. Sarkozy maintains his innocence and is expected to vigorously contest the conviction through the appeals process. The case is likely to continue to dominate headlines in France and beyond,