The French police have searched Renault’s corporate headquarters near Paris as part of the ongoing investigation into ex-CEO Carlos Ghosn and his use of the Palace of Versailles for his 2016 wedding party.
Reuters reports that, according to French magazine L’Express, beieves local authorities are probing the wedding reception party hosted in Versailles to celebrate the marriage of Ghosn to his current wife Carole. Renault has confirmed that the search took place but failed to specify the subject of the investigation.
“Renault confirms that a search by police is currently underway at its headquarters in Boulogne-Billancourt and Renault is co-operating fully with authorities,” the automaker said, adding that it would make no further comments on the matter.
Also Read: Renault Admits It Paid $57,000 For Carlos Ghosn’s Big French Wedding
In February, Renault announced that in-house compliance audits it initiated towards the end of 2018 found that a €50,000 contribution was allocated to Ghosn’s personal benefit as a charitable donation with the Château de Versailles. Renault said it would immediately bring its findings to the judicial authorities.
However, Ghosn’s lawyer Jean-Yves Le Borgne soon stated that the former industry executive was unaware of the generous contribution.
“The event space at Versailles was made available to him without charge, and Mr. Ghosn was unaware that the use of the space would be charged against Renault’s allotted usage. Carlos Ghosn paid for all of his wedding expenses,” he said.
Prior to the wedding, Renault reached an agreement with the property to sponsor 2.3 million euros ($2.61 million) of renovations in return for services from the chateau worth 575,000 euros ($651,000).
