Major Fraud Case in France: Ten-Year Sentence Sought for Badache Couple
The case, involving a fraud amounting to €1.24 billion, is regarded as the largest scam in French history.
During a court hearing on June 2, 2025, in Marseille, the prosecution called for a ten-year prison sentence for Jean and Viviane Badache, former leaders of Apollonia, as they face charges related to what has been described as the largest fraud ever recorded in France, with losses estimated at €1.24 billion.
The couple, aged 71 and 68 respectively, has been accused of being the 'designers, organizers, and beneficiaries' of this intricate scam.
The trial, which has been ongoing since March 31, involves fifteen defendants facing charges of organized fraud, forgery, and aggravated money laundering.
Vice-Prosecutor Mathieu Vernaudon highlighted the sheer scale of the fraud and the impact it has had on victims, stating that their actions have 'destroyed lives'.
He noted the absence of remorse from the Badaches, emphasizing that they attributed the blame to others, including employees and even the victims themselves.
In addition to the prison term, the prosecutor has requested a fine of €2.5 million for the couple.
Highlighting concerns about a 'high risk of flight', a request for a remand warrant was also submitted to ensure their presence during the ongoing legal proceedings.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with the severity of the alleged crimes prompting intense scrutiny of the defendants' actions and the broader implications for corporate governance and fraud prevention in France.
The couple, aged 71 and 68 respectively, has been accused of being the 'designers, organizers, and beneficiaries' of this intricate scam.
The trial, which has been ongoing since March 31, involves fifteen defendants facing charges of organized fraud, forgery, and aggravated money laundering.
Vice-Prosecutor Mathieu Vernaudon highlighted the sheer scale of the fraud and the impact it has had on victims, stating that their actions have 'destroyed lives'.
He noted the absence of remorse from the Badaches, emphasizing that they attributed the blame to others, including employees and even the victims themselves.
In addition to the prison term, the prosecutor has requested a fine of €2.5 million for the couple.
Highlighting concerns about a 'high risk of flight', a request for a remand warrant was also submitted to ensure their presence during the ongoing legal proceedings.
The case has drawn significant public attention, with the severity of the alleged crimes prompting intense scrutiny of the defendants' actions and the broader implications for corporate governance and fraud prevention in France.