What evidence do prosecutors have against Sarkozy
Introduction
French Prosecutors have gathered several pieces of evidence against Nicolas Sarkozy in the case alleging illegal campaign financing from Libya:
Documentary Evidence
A Libyan official document from 2006 stating that Gaddafi had given Sarkozy €50 million for his campaign. Initially called a “fake” by Sarkozy, French courts ruled the document was authentic in 2016.
Diaries of former Libyan oil minister Shukri Ghanem mentioning payments to Sarkozy.
Witness Testimonies
Zaid Takieddine, a French-Lebanese businessman, claimed he personally delivered suitcases containing €5 million in cash to Sarkozy and his chief of staff. Though Takieddine later retracted this statement, it remains part of the investigation.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of Muammar Gaddafi, publicly stated in 2011 that Libya had funded Sarkozy’s campaign.
Former Libyan prime minister Baghdadi Mahmudi repeated the funding claims.
Financial Investigations
A report by French anticorruption body (OCLCIFF) in 2017 pointed to undeclared cash circulation among Sarkozy campaign workers.
Investigations into a €500,000 bank transfer to Claude Guéant, Sarkozy’s former chief of staff, in 2008.
Circumstantial Evidence
Sarkozy’s visit to Tripoli in October 2005, where the alleged funding arrangement was reportedly made.
The warm reception of Gaddafi in France in 2007, shortly after Sarkozy’s election.
Conclusion
While Sarkozy vehemently denies all allegations and claims there is “no material evidence or any wiretap” to incriminate him, prosecutors have deemed the evidence sufficient to proceed with a trial scheduled for 2025.
