PARIS, April 14 (Reuters) - French police searched several locations on Tuesday as part of a corruption investigation but were denied access when they sought to enter the Elysee presidential palace,
French Police Denied Elysee Palace Entry Amid Corruption Probe on Public Contracts
Corruption Investigation and Elysee Palace Incident
PARIS, April 14 (Reuters) - French police searched several locations on Tuesday as part of a corruption investigation but were denied access when they sought to enter the Elysee presidential palace, the national financial prosecutor's office said.
Details of the Corruption Probe
The searches were conducted as part of a probe into favouritism, conflict of interest, corruption and influence peddling, focusing on the awarding of certain public contracts related to the organisation of Pantheon ceremonies among others, the office said in a statement.
Scope of the Searches
Several homes and offices were searched, the statement said, without elaborating.
Response from the Elysee and Macron's Office
President Emmanuel Macron's office confirmed investigators showed up at the Elysee and said they were told information about presidential aides but unrelated to the president's activities would be supplied upon request, without elaborating.
Significance of the Pantheon
The Pantheon is a central Paris mausoleum where some of France's most prominent national heroes are buried.
Focus on Shortcut and State Ceremonies
Satirical and investigative newspaper Le Canard Enchaine reported earlier on Tuesday that investigators are seeking to determine if the Paris-based company Shortcut, partly owned by Havas, which has organised state ceremonies such as the official burials in the Pantheon, received extraordinary support from the National Museums Centre, the Ministry of Culture or the Elysee.
Shortcut's Response
Shortcut did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Inti Landauro and Michel Rose; Editing by Makini Brice, William Maclean)
