French prosecutors open investigation into Bank Audi France over money laundering allegations

PARIS — French prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into Bank Audi France and the Richelieu group, examining allegations of money laundering, aggravated breach of trust, and possible tax fraud linked to Lebanese banker Antoun Sehnaoui.

The judicial inquiry was launched following complaints filed in July 2025 by the Collective of Victims of Fraudulent and Criminal Practices in Lebanon and the French anti-corruption NGO Sherpa. The filings accused the financial institutions of facilitating illicit financial flows and mismanaging client funds.

Bank Audi France, a subsidiary of Lebanon’s largest private bank, and the Richelieu group, a holding company associated with Sehnaoui, are central to the probe. Authorities are examining transactions that allegedly occurred across both France and Lebanon. The investigation focuses on whether the entities engaged in systematic practices to obscure the origins of funds and evade regulatory oversight.

The Collective of Victims, representing individuals who lost money in Lebanese financial scandals, alleges that the institutions failed in their fiduciary duties. Sherpa, which specializes in fighting international corruption, joined the complaint, arguing that the practices violated French financial laws.

Prosecutors in Paris are now reviewing the evidence to determine the scope of the case. The inquiry is expected to involve international cooperation, given the cross-border nature of the alleged activities. French judicial authorities have not yet issued charges or made arrests.

Bank Audi and the Richelieu group have not publicly commented on the investigation. Legal representatives for the entities have not addressed the allegations in official statements. The lack of response has left the full extent of the accusations unchallenged in public records.

The case highlights growing scrutiny of Lebanese financial institutions operating in Europe. It follows years of economic turmoil in Lebanon, where banking sector mismanagement has contributed to a severe currency crisis and capital flight.

Antoun Sehnaoui, a prominent figure in Lebanon’s financial sector, remains a key subject of interest. His role in the Richelieu group and connections to Bank Audi France place him at the center of the allegations. Prosecutors are examining whether he directed or benefited from the suspected illicit activities.

The investigation is expected to take months or years to conclude. French authorities will likely interview witnesses, review financial records, and coordinate with Lebanese counterparts. The outcome could lead to criminal charges, fines, or regulatory sanctions.

Victims’ groups are watching closely, hoping the probe will result in restitution for those affected. Legal experts say the case could set a precedent for how French courts handle cross-border financial fraud involving foreign banks.

For now, the investigation remains in its early stages. Questions about the volume of funds involved, the number of potential victims, and the specific mechanisms used in the alleged fraud remain unanswered. Prosecutors have not released details on the timeline or specific transactions under review.

The case underscores the challenges of policing international finance and holding institutions accountable for practices that span multiple jurisdictions. As the inquiry unfolds, it may reveal broader patterns of misconduct within the Lebanese banking sector’s European operations.