French billionaire Vincent Bolloré is set to face trial in December over allegations of corruption linked to port deals in West Africa, according to prosecutors in France.
The case, which has been under investigation for nearly a decade, centres on claims that Bolloré used his business network to secure port concessions in Togo and Guinea through improper means.
Authorities allege that an advertising firm formerly linked to his group provided discounted campaign services to political figures in both countries, raising concerns about possible inducements tied to the contracts.
Prosecutors say part of the funding for campaign support in Togo was covered by a subsidiary of the Bolloré Group, an arrangement they believe may have influenced the awarding of port deals.
The charges include bribery and financial misconduct connected to these transactions.
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Bolloré has denied all allegations, with his legal team insisting the payments were legitimate business dealings and not intended to sway political outcomes.
They have also questioned the fairness of the upcoming trial, particularly after an earlier attempt to settle the case through a plea agreement was rejected by a judge.
The trial comes as the Bolloré Group continues to expand its footprint across Africa, with growing interests in media, entertainment, and infrastructure, further placing the case under international scrutiny.
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