Congolese Star Gims Detained in French Money Laundering Probe
Congolese singer and rapper Gims, whose real name is Gandhi Djuna, was taken into custody on Tuesday upon his arrival at France’s Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle airport. The detention is part of an ongoing investigation into an alleged organized money laundering scheme, as confirmed by the French National Anti-Organized Crime Prosecutor’s Office (Pnaco) on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old artist is currently being questioned under a judicial commission of inquiry. This investigation is being managed by the specialized Parisian prosecutor’s office. Attempts to reach Gims’ lawyer, David-Olivier Kaminski, for immediate comment were unsuccessful.
According to sources close to the matter, Gims was apprehended by the national judicial customs service immediately after disembarking from his flight before being taken into custody for questioning.
The investigation reportedly centers on a sprawling international money laundering network. This network is alleged to have utilized numerous shell companies established in various countries to facilitate its operations. The alleged activities include:
- VAT and Tax Evasion: The scheme is suspected of enabling the evasion of Value Added Tax (VAT) and other significant tax liabilities.
- Issuance of False Invoices: The network is accused of generating and distributing fraudulent invoices to disguise financial transactions.
- Concealment of Illicit Funds: A primary objective of the operation appears to have been the concealment of the origins of funds derived from illegal activities.
Furthermore, reports suggest the involvement of five former drug traffickers from the Paris region who have reportedly transitioned into the realm of financial crime. The focus of these investigations is particularly intense on a high-end real estate project located in Marrakech, Morocco. This development, known as «Sunset Village Private Residences,» is actively promoted by the artist Gims. The alleged connection to this luxury development is a key element under scrutiny by investigators. The intricate web of financial dealings and alleged illicit activities underscores the seriousness of the charges and the breadth of the investigation.
