When the state auctions luxury cars and watches seized by the courts
The most expensive lot? A Lamborghini Aventador that will go on sale with a starting price of €150,000. Fans of gleaming cars will also be able, randomly when shopping, to opt for a Ferrari 348 TS or a Porsche Cayenne whose starting prices will be €48,000 and €32,000 respectively.
Those who prefer to drink rather than drive may be tempted by 12 bottles of Romanée Conti for €22,000. And there will be something for all budgets. Buyers, who tend to be Bon Coin customers rather than top-of-the-range auction houses, will be able to leave, if they have €30 in their pocket, with a city bike equipped with a very practical basket on the front, but a handlebar "in average state. And a revision "to be expected", according to the expert who estimated its starting price.
A sale organized in Bercy
It is a somewhat special auction that will be organized on the sidelines of a conference, this Thursday, November 4, in the presence of Éric Dupond-Moretti. In the morning, the Minister of Justice will be presented with 300 properties which will be offered for sale the next day in the premises of the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Auctions for the good cause, in particular budgetary, because the money collected thanks to this “exceptional” sale of 300 “prestigious lots” will be donated to public finances and associations. And if Éric Dupond-Moretti is in the game, it is because all these assets have been seized in the context of criminal proceedings.
This sale is indeed organized by the Agency for the management and recovery of seized and confiscated assets (Agrasc), which is celebrating its tenth anniversary. The mission of this public establishment is to manage the assets and bank accounts seized by the courts.
“When a person is placed in police custody or indicted, there is a risk that he will do everything to squander his assets very quickly in order to avoid being confiscated in the event of a conviction. At this stage, a seizure can be ordered by the public prosecutor, the investigating judge or that of freedom and detention. This seizure makes it possible to freeze this heritage until the procedure is completed”, indicates Nicolas Bessone, director general of Agrasc.
→ GRANDSTAND. Ill-gotten assets, transfer them to the service of the general interest
In the event of a green light from the courts, certain properties can then be put up for sale without waiting for the outcome of the procedure. a case. During all these years, the goods can deteriorate or lose value. During this period, justice must also ensure the guarding of cars, which can be expensive. If possible, it is better to sell immediately,” explains Nicolas Bessone.
Then, if the respondent is released or acquitted, he will be reimbursed the money obtained by the sale of his property. “But we will ensure, beforehand, to ensure that he does not present tax or social debts as well as fines, he adds. Last year, we had a sum of 50 million euros to return, but of which 10 million were used to pay outstanding debts or fines. »
50 million paid to the State last year
Real estate can be frozen during the investigation but their sale can only take place after a final conviction. The sums in cash or those appearing on the bank accounts of the presumed offenders are placed on the account of Agrasc. “Today, we have 1.5 billion euros in our account. But before disposing of this money, we must wait for the outcome of the procedures. Last year, we nevertheless donated 50 million euros to the general state budget. With our funds, we can also support the prevention of drug addiction or procuring”, specifies Nicolas Bessone.
These seizures and confiscations are a good barometer of how individuals involved in organized crime, drug trafficking, pimping but also financial crime spend their money. In this somewhat spectacular auction, there are large cars, jewelry, coins and gold bars, handbags, bottles of fine wines, tablets, smartphones or game consoles.
“Unsurprisingly, many offenders appreciate very ostentatious goods. In organized crime, having a big car or a very expensive watch is a marker of professional success,” underlines Nicolas Bessonne.
But in some cases, the sales are more unexpected. Last year, Agrasc earned €312,580 from a plot of vines located in the Marne. And she sold… a herd of 300 cows in the Jura.
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