Investigators raid French finance ministry

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2005

PARIS (AFP) — An investigating magistrate accompanied by police raided the premises of the French economy and finance ministry.

A ministry source close to the matter told AFP that they were carrying out enquiries in connection with a probe into the acounts of French chemical company Rhodia. Finance Minister Thierry Breton was a member of the board of the company from 1999 to 2002.

The press service at the ministry said: "An investigating magistrate with police officials is in the premises at Bercy (the building housing the ministry). They are being given the reception they merit."

Since Breton was travelling, they had been met by the head of his private office, the press service said Monday.

The ministry did not specify the reason for the visit and...