French culture minister undergoes searches amid corruption investigation

PARIS - Searches were carried out Thursday at the home of French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, her ministry and the town hall of Paris's 7th arrondissement, where she serves as mayor, local media reported.

According to Le Monde, these searches are part of a judicial investigation opened in October by the French Financial Prosecutor on charges of active and passive corruption, influence peddling, misuse of corporate assets, breach of trust, embezzlement of public funds, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.

The investigation is related to Dati's activities and remuneration when she was a member of the European Parliament from 2009 to 2019, Le Monde reported.

Dati has held the position of French culture minister since January 2024 and is running for mayor of Paris in next year's municipal elections.