As the subjects of a preliminary investigation, neither Arnault nor Sarkisov are suspects and neither has been accused of wrongdoing.
The investigation, apparently ongoing, will not fail to prove this.”“Besides, who can seriously imagine that Mr Bernard Arnault, who has built the leading French and European company over 40 years, would engage money laundering to expand a hotel?” Laffont added.
CNN has contacted Tracfin and Sarkisov for comment.
LVMH is once again Europe’s biggest company by market capitalization, after being briefly dethroned last month by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk (NVO).
Arnault’s company encompasses luxury fashion and drinks brands such as Louis Vuitton and Moet & Chandon.
Persons:
London CNN —, Bernard Arnault, ”, Arnault, Nikolai Sarkisov, Tracfin, Sarkisov, Arnault’s LVMH, Arnault’s, Jacqueline Laffont, Cheval, Laffont, Le, “, Elon Musk, Louis Vuitton, Moet, Chandon
Organizations:
London CNN, Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, CNN, SNC, Bloomberg, Elon, Europe’s, Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk
Locations:
Paris, London, Russian, Sarkisov, Courchevel, Blanc, Cheval Blanc, “, Danish