Former French Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin is being investigated in a case involving some statues of Napoleon.

On May 19, 2026, the French National Financial Prosecutor's Office opened a preliminary investigation regarding allegations of receiving stolen public funds, in the context in which Dominique de Villepin, former Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs between 2002 and 2004, allegedly received two statuettes as gifts.

These, valued at thousands of euros, were reportedly given by lobbyist Robert Bourgi, who collaborated with African officials.

De Villepin acknowledged that accepting the gifts was a "mistake," but downplayed the allegations.

The investigation is taking place against the backdrop of fraud allegations related to European funds, involving the National Rally.

De Villepin, at the age of 72, has relaunched his political career with a new party, Humanist France, and is expected to participate in the presidential elections of 2027.