New documents reveal corruption scandal involving Macron’s associates PHOTO

A new wave of revelations has surfaced in the ongoing corruption scandal involving Alexandre Benalla, former head of the French Presidential Security Service, and Anass Derraz (under investigation in Azerbaijan), vice president of the French company Saur. Observer Online, a publication known for its investigative reports, has released documentary evidence confirming large bribe transfers to Benalla and Derraz in exchange for lifting international sanctions on the property of billionaires.

The report, published by Trend, details the latest findings, including bank statements and contractual agreements that link both men to a $6.14 million bribe paid by Farhad Akhmedov, a Russian billionaire of Azerbaijani origin, per Caliber.Az.

According to the Observer Online, some time ago, a scandalous article was published in the British press, which claims that Azerbaijani security services have been investigating a bribery case in which Benalla and Derraz allegedly extorted $6,140,000 from Akhmedov in 2018. In exchange, they promised to help secure the release of his luxury yacht, Luna, from international seizure.

Part of the bribe was reportedly transferred to Benalla’s account (No. 2701000091503) at the French branch of BANK OF AFRICA UNITED KINGDOM PLC SC PAR and to Derraz’s account (No. 024071984024) at AL HILAL BANK.

While French authorities have remained largely silent on the matter, the Observer Online notes, Azerbaijan has continued its criminal proceedings. Anass Derraz, who is directly involved in the case, is currently under house arrest and cooperating with the investigation. Despite the allegations, he was later promoted to vice president of Saur (for his "special services"), a major international firm specializing in water and sewerage projects.

Meanwhile, Alexandre Benalla has been placed on an international wanted list.

Despite multiple appeals from the French Embassy in Azerbaijan, Derraz has not received diplomatic protection. French officials are reportedly concerned not only about the criminal implications but also about the political fallout from exposing a bribery scheme linked to individuals already under international sanctions.

Observer Online has published compelling evidence of the illicit payments, including a tripartite agreement on so-called “legal services” signed by Farhad Akhmedov, Alexandre Benalla, and Anass Derraz. Additionally, the leaked bank statements verify the money transfers from Akhmedov’s account to those of Benalla and Derraz.

The ongoing investigation continues to unfold, with further revelations expected to emerge in the coming weeks.

By Tamilla Hasanova