Ex-employee of the Presidential Administration of France Emmanuel Macgron Alexander Benally was detained in the framework of the Contract investigation, which, when mediated, was concluded with the Russian entrepreneur Iskander Makhmudov, reports RIA Novosti.
Former presidential assistant was questioned as part of the investigation of this case. According to Point magazine, the investigation is trying to establish whether the former Assistant Macron used his post in the Champs Elysees Palace for receiving a contract, which was concluded by the former companion of Benal Vensene Kraz and the Russian entrepreneur.
According to BFMTV TV channel, Benal is suspected of corruption and bypass tax legislation.
As previously written by French media, in June 2018, Makhmudov signed a contract with the security company Venzanian Kraz. A former police officer, then engaged in security issues in the apparatus of the ruling party “Forward, Republic”. The transaction for 300 thousand euros provided for the protection of Makhmudov’s assets and his relatives in France. Advisor to President Emmanuel in February 2019 Financial Prosecutor’s Office of France began checking the contract.
In October, Paris court sentenced Benal to three years in prison, two of them conditionally, in the case of the use of force on the manifestation in May 2018. The defense of Benalla stated that he would appeal the sentence.