The National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) opened a preliminary investigation on Thursday March 31 for aggravated money laundering of tax evasion, after having taken note of the Senate report on the influence of private consulting firms on public policies, announced Wednesday April 6 the National Financial Prosecutor in a statement.

In this report, the Senate commission of inquiry accused the French entities of the McKinsey firm of "tax optimization", such that they would not have paid any corporate tax between 2011 and 2020.

McKinsey had claimed to respect French tax rules, specifying that one of its subsidiaries had paid corporation tax for six years over the period during which the Senate accuses it.

>> To read on France24.com: 

McKinsey, the case that revives the presidential campaign

The PNF investigation, opened after "verifications", was entrusted to the Financial Judicial Investigation Service (SEJF), specifies the press release which does not mention the name of McKinsey.

In the midst of the presidential campaign, the political opposition to the head of state have since repeatedly demanded the opening of an investigation into what they consider to be favoritism which the Macronist majority would show for the benefit of this consulting firm, some of whose members were able to work for Macronie, especially during the 2017 presidential election.

“If there is evidence of manipulation, let it go to the criminal”, retorted Sunday March 27 Emmanuel Macron to those who reproach him for these numerous contracts.

The candidate president considered in particular that the non-payment of corporation tax by McKinsey was explained by the tax rules in force. 

On Sunday, the leader of LREM deputies, Christophe Castaner, denounced a "political operation". 

"We assume. The State has always had recourse to consulting firms since the beginning of the 2000s. Valérie Pécresse implemented the University reform law by relying on consulting firms. On the right as on the left, they lead local authorities who have recourse to them", said for his part the same day the Minister of Public Accounts Olivier Dussopt on Radio J.

With AFP

The summary of the

France 24 week invites you to come back to the news that marked the week

I subscribe

Take international news everywhere with you!

Download the France 24 app

google-play-badge_FR