Trial Unveils Allegations of Corruption in Airbus Sale to Libya
The Paris court examines a €15 million commission linked to the controversial sale of aircraft involving key political and business figures.
The Paris court has begun deliberations on the allegations surrounding a €15 million commission connected to the sale of twelve Airbus aircraft to Libya in 2006. This examination is part of the broader investigation into the financing of Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2007 presidential campaign, reportedly involving former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
During the hearings held on March 12 and 13, 2025, the court examined the role of key individuals involved in the transaction, including Alexandre Djouhri, a businessman; Claude Guéant, the former Secretary General of the Élysée; Wahib Nacer, a banker; and Bechir Saleh, the head of the Libyan sovereign wealth fund.
Djouhri reportedly received only €2 million from the aircraft sale, a fraction of the total commission he claims was owed to him.
He had expected an amount of €15 million, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the financial arrangements.
Noël Forgeard, who served as CEO of Airbus from 2001 to 2005, testified to the court about the company’s practices regarding consultants and intermediaries.
He highlighted the establishment of a business development committee in 2002, which aimed to rigorously vet the involvement of third parties in business transactions.
Forgeard emphasized his commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity within Airbus, stating, 'There were rules, and I always fought against the infiltration of intermediaries in our company.' He maintains that Airbus operated independently and ethically during his tenure.
The ongoing trial has stirred significant media attention due to the intertwining of high-level political operations and lucrative business dealings, raising concerns over corruption and accountability in public and private sectors alike.
During the hearings held on March 12 and 13, 2025, the court examined the role of key individuals involved in the transaction, including Alexandre Djouhri, a businessman; Claude Guéant, the former Secretary General of the Élysée; Wahib Nacer, a banker; and Bechir Saleh, the head of the Libyan sovereign wealth fund.
Djouhri reportedly received only €2 million from the aircraft sale, a fraction of the total commission he claims was owed to him.
He had expected an amount of €15 million, leading to questions about the legitimacy of the financial arrangements.
Noël Forgeard, who served as CEO of Airbus from 2001 to 2005, testified to the court about the company’s practices regarding consultants and intermediaries.
He highlighted the establishment of a business development committee in 2002, which aimed to rigorously vet the involvement of third parties in business transactions.
Forgeard emphasized his commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity within Airbus, stating, 'There were rules, and I always fought against the infiltration of intermediaries in our company.' He maintains that Airbus operated independently and ethically during his tenure.
The ongoing trial has stirred significant media attention due to the intertwining of high-level political operations and lucrative business dealings, raising concerns over corruption and accountability in public and private sectors alike.
