French Man Freed After 16 Months in Andorra Tax Fraud Probe

A 33-year-old French resident has been provisionally released by Andorra's Batllia after nearly 16 months in custody over an investigation into companies allegedly disguising luxury car sales as rentals to help clients dodge French taxes.

The man, who frequently travelled between Andorra and Bordeaux before his November 2024 arrest, must now report weekly to the judicial authority. No other restrictions were imposed. His pre-trial detention had been extended multiple times, with a potential fourth extraordinary extension under consideration. The probe remains ongoing, with no clear timeline for trial.

Authorities seized nine luxury vehicles, electronic devices, and extensive documentation during his arrest. Prosecutors allege the rental contracts were fictitious, with French clients effectively purchasing the cars before transferring them—on paper—to firms controlled by the suspect. He faces charges including money laundering linked to tax fraud (for which French authorities are also pursuing him), and creating, using, and marketing inauthentic public documents.

The entrepreneur, who owns several companies including some inherited from his late father, had long argued his detention was excessive. He cited his deep roots in Andorra to counter flight risk claims and noted that all relevant evidence had already been seized, preventing any tampering. He even appealed to the Constitutional Court for release, seeking conditions that would allow him to resume work.

His detention came amid significant controversy, as multiple Andorran business portals openly advertised similar schemes. French officials had exerted strong pressure on Andorran authorities over the scandal, which enabled evasion of substantial French taxes while complicating enforcement of traffic fines on drivers using Andorran plates.