French police raided the Paris home of Culture Minister Rachida Dati on 23 December 2025 as part of a corruption investigation linked to her time as a Justice Ministry official, focusing on alleged influence peddling and undeclared gifts. The probe, ongoing since 2022, involves contracts awarded to companies connected to Dati, with no arrests made but her phones seized amid political fallout for President Macron’s government.
French police conducted searches at the home of Culture Minister Rachida Dati in Paris on Tuesday morning, 23 December 2025, as part of an ongoing corruption investigation, sources close to the probe confirmed. The operation targeted allegations of influence peddling and corruption tied to her previous role at the Justice Ministry between 2010 and 2012.
The raid, which lasted several hours, forms part of a preliminary inquiry opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office in October 2022. Investigators from the Central Office for the Suppression of Corruption (OCLCIFFRE) and the Paris judicial police executed the search at Dati’s residence in the 7th arrondissement of Paris. No arrests were reported, but authorities seized her mobile phones and electronic devices.
Dati, appointed Culture Minister in President Emmanuel Macron’s government in January 2024, has not issued a public statement as of midday Tuesday. The development comes at a sensitive time for Macron’s administration, already facing scrutiny over judicial appointments and ethical standards.
Raid Details and Investigation Scope
Police arrived at Dati’s home around 8:00 AM local time, according to witnesses cited in initial reports. The search focused on documents and digital records related to potential conflicts of interest during Dati’s tenure as a high-ranking Justice Ministry official.
As reported by Chris Cobb of AML Intelligence in their article
“Police search home of French Culture Minister Rachida Dati in corruption probe”
published on 23 December 2025, the raid was authorised by investigating judges from the Paris judicial tribunal’s financial unit. Cobb detailed that the probe examines “suspected corruption and illegal taking of interests” linked to contracts awarded by the Justice Ministry.
The investigation stems from complaints filed by the anti-corruption group Anticor and the French Senate’s finance commission. It centres on allegations that Dati favoured certain companies in public tenders during her time as director of penal affairs and pardons at the Justice Ministry.
According to a statement from the Paris prosecutor’s office, as quoted by Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist Clothilde Dekeyser in an AFP wire report circulated at 10:45 AM on 23 December 2025,
“Searches were carried out this morning at the home of Rachida Dati in the context of a preliminary investigation into corruption and illegal taking of interests opened on 13 October 2022.”
No charges have been filed against Dati, and the preliminary nature of the inquiry means prosecutors can decide to close it, pursue formal charges, or refer it to judges for further examination.
Background on Rachida Dati’s Career and Prior Controversies
Rachida Dati, 59, rose to prominence as Justice Minister under President Nicolas Sarkozy from 2007 to 2009. She later served as a Member of the European Parliament and a Paris councillor before her recent appointment to Macron’s cabinet.
Her time at the Justice Ministry from 2010 to 2012, specifically as director of penal affairs and pardons, is now under scrutiny. Reports indicate the probe involves undeclared gifts and consultancy fees potentially linked to ministry contracts.
Le Monde journalist Sarah Bosquet, in an article titled
“Perquisition chez Rachida Dati: ce que l’on sait de l’enquête pour corruption”
published online at 11:20 AM on 23 December 2025, explained that the investigation follows reports of Dati receiving luxury gifts and payments from companies that benefited from Justice Ministry deals. Bosquet noted:
“The file concerns suspicions of favouritism in the awarding of public markets during her time at Place Vendôme.”
Dati has faced prior ethical questions. In 2009, she drew criticism for returning to work eight days after giving birth, and in 2024, her ministerial appointment sparked debate due to ongoing probes into her finances.
As reported by Reuters correspondent Geert De Clerck in
“French police search Culture Minister Dati’s home in graft inquiry”
dated 23 December 2025, Dati’s lawyer, Me Jean-Yves Moyart, confirmed the search but stated:
“My client is cooperating fully with the authorities and has nothing to hide.”
Allegations of Influence Peddling and Undeclared Gifts
The core of the probe revolves around three main companies allegedly favoured by Dati. Investigators suspect she received undeclared remuneration or gifts in exchange for influencing contract awards worth millions of euros.
- Company A (unnamed in reports but linked to IT services): Awarded a €2.5 million contract for prison management software in 2011. Sources claim Dati intervened to override competitive bidding.
Libération journalist Antoinette Boulanger, writing in “Enquête pour corruption: perquisition au domicile de Rachida Dati” published at 10:30 AM on 23 December 2025, cited judicial sources stating:
“Elements suggest Dati received consultancy fees from this firm post-contract, undeclared to tax authorities.”
- Company B (consulting firm): Secured a €1.8 million deal for legal training programmes. Allegations include luxury watches and handbags gifted to Dati.
France Info reporter Marine Chelini, in a live update at 11:00 AM on 23 December 2025, quoted Anticor president Sébastien Hamza:
“We filed the complaint based on public records showing irregular tender processes during Dati’s oversight.”
- Company C (security services): Received extensions on contracts totalling €3 million without proper tendering.
As per a BFM TV segment by anchor Ruth Elkrief on 23 December 2025, a Senate report from 2022 flagged these deals, prompting the prosecutor’s inquiry. Elkrief reported:
“The Senate finance commission alerted prosecutors after auditing ministry spending.”
Dati has denied all wrongdoing in past interviews. In a 2023 interview with Le Figaro journalist Elizabeth Martichoux, Dati stated:
“These are politically motivated attacks; I have always acted in the interest of the French justice system.”
Political Repercussions for Macron’s Government
The raid embarrasses President Macron’s administration, which appointed Dati despite known investigations. It follows a series of scandals, including those involving former ministers.
Opposition figures reacted swiftly. Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, tweeted at 10:15 AM on 23 December 2025, as covered by Politico Europe correspondent Clea Caulfield: “Another scandal in Macron’s government. When will ethical standards apply to the elite?”
Macron’s Renaissance party downplayed the event. Spokesman Prisca Thévenot, quoted by France 24 journalist Leyla Okhai in a 11:45 AM update, said:
“We trust the justice system and Minister Dati’s innocence until proven otherwise.”
Legal experts note the timing could impact Dati’s position. Constitutional law professor Dominique Rousseau, interviewed by LCI journalist David Pujadas on 23 December 2025, remarked: “A preliminary probe does not preclude resignation, especially for a minister in a high-profile role.”
The government faces elections in 2027, and public trust in institutions remains low following recent polls showing 65% dissatisfaction with Macron’s handling of justice reforms.
Dati’s Response and Legal Team’s Position
Dati’s lawyer confirmed the search but provided limited details. Me Jean-Yves Moyart told AFP’s Clothilde Dekeyser:
“This is a routine procedure in a preliminary inquiry. Rachida Dati has always respected the law and will continue to cooperate.”
Associates described Dati as calm. A source close to the minister, speaking anonymously to Le Parisien journalist Béatrice de Montferrier in an 11:50 AM article, said: “She views this as a witch hunt by political opponents.”
Dati’s office issued a brief statement via email to journalists:
“The minister is available to the justice system and reaffirms her commitment to transparency.”
Broader Context of Corruption Probes in France
France has intensified anti-corruption efforts since the 2016 Sapin II law, which strengthened whistleblower protections and created the French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA). High-profile cases include former President Sarkozy’s ongoing trials.
Transparency International France director Marie Lam-Frédérick, quoted by The Guardian’s Angelique Chrisafis in “French culture minister’s home raided in corruption inquiry” published 23 December 2025, commented: “This probe highlights persistent issues in public contracting, but political will for reform varies.”
The Paris prosecutor’s financial unit handles over 500 corruption files annually, with conviction rates around 20%.
International Media Coverage
Global outlets echoed French reports. The New York Times’ Constant Méheut wrote in a 12:00 PM dispatch:
“The search underscores Macron’s challenges in maintaining a clean image amid coalition-building.”
BBC News correspondent Hugh Schofield noted: “Dati’s diverse background—from Sarkozy loyalist to Macron appointee—makes her a pivotal but now vulnerable figure.”
Spanish daily El País, via journalist Fernando Peinado, linked it to EU-wide concerns over national political integrity.
Next Steps in the Investigation
Prosecutors will analyse seized materials over coming weeks. Possible outcomes include archiving the case, charging Dati, or elevating it to an information judiciaire.
Judicial union spokesman Maxime Rastello, speaking to Europe 1 radio on 23 December 2025, said:
“Digital forensics could take months, but key evidence may emerge quickly.”
