In 2015, Claude Guéant, a top aide and former interior minister to Mr. Sarkozy, was charged in connection with the investigation. Both politicians denied the account by Mr. Takieddine, who has also been charged in the investigation. Mr. Sarkozy won the 2007 election but failed to secure a second term in 2012. Since the end of his presidency, Mr. Sarkozy has faced multiple corruption inquiries, which are at various stages, and he has always denied any wrongdoing. In yet other cases, people close to Mr. Sarkozy have been charged and his name has been cited, but he has not been charged himself.

Source: New York Times March 20, 2018 12:19 UTC