What illegal surveillance activities were uncovered in the trial?

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Former French Spy Chief Convicted for Misuse of Public Resources and Complicity in Illegal Surveillance

A Paris court has found Bernard Squarcini, the former head of France’s domestic security services, guilty of using public resources for the benefit of LVMH. Squarcini was also found complicit in illegal surveillance targeting French lawmaker Francois Ruffin and members of his publication, Fakir. These activities were uncovered as Ruffin and Fakir were preparing to disrupt an LVMH shareholder meeting and developing a satirical documentary film.
Illegal Surveillance of Francois Ruffin and Fakir

The trial revealed that Squarcini was complicit in the illegal surveillance of Francois Ruffin, who was a lawmaker and activist at the time, along with individuals associated with his left-wing publication, Fakir. This surveillance took place as Ruffin and his team were engaged in activities aimed at disrupting an LVMH shareholder meeting and were producing a satirical documentary film titled “Merci Patron.”
Squarcini's Sentence and LVMH's Settlement

As a consequence of these findings, Bernard Squarcini received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and was ordered to pay a €200,000 fine. His legal representatives have indicated an intention to appeal the verdict. Separately, LVMH had previously reached a €10 million settlement in 2021 to conclude a criminal investigation concerning the luxury group's involvement in the spying case.
LVMH CEO's Testimony Regarding Surveillance

During the proceedings, LVMH CEO Bernard Arnault testified before the judges in November. He stated that he had no knowledge of the illegal surveillance that was initiated nearly a decade prior by an associate who has since passed away in 2018. Arnault's testimony occurred within the context of an influence-peddling trial involving Squarcini.

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What illegal surveillance activities were uncovered in the trial?

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