Authorities have seized more than 850,000 euros ($970,000) and questioned 10 people in custody as part of an investigation into alleged corruption at the port of Saint-Tropez. Prosecutors estimate the scheme may have involved as much as 2 million euros in embezzled funds. French media reported that an investigation opened in 2024 led to ten people being taken into custody for questioning on April 28, with the 10 now being summoned for a "correctional hearing" at the end of November.
A whistleblower testified to French media company RMC in June 2024, denouncing a payment of bribes in cash to the port authority to secure docking space at the port of Saint-Tropez. The scheme had likely been operating for several years, according to the Draguignan prosecutor's office. Investigators suspect port masters, employees, and intermediaries who worked with captains and vessel owners were involved.
The case concerns the old port of the city which only has 30 spaces for boats measuring more than 18 meters. Port employees would reportedly bypass the computer reservation system in exchange for an undisclosed financial compensation to allocate the best spots to owners of luxury boats, according to French media. The correctional hearing at the Draguignan judicial court is on Nov. 23, 2026.
