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Published on: 02/11/2026 - 11:07

An extraordinary trial opens this Monday, November 2 in Paris. Thirteen people and three companies are on trial in the Dubai Papers affair: a vast alleged system of tax evasion which allegedly made it possible to hide more than 200 million euros on behalf of French taxpayers.

A veritable industry of tax fraud, with its managers, its intermediaries and its wealthy clients. According to investigators, 322 French taxpayers used a network of 658 offshore companies to hide their assets and evade taxes. The amount of taxes evaded is estimated at at least 54 million euros between 2007 and 2018.

Shell companies, prepaid cards and money bags

At the heart of the alleged scheme: Helin International, a company based in the United Arab Emirates which offered its clients complex financial arrangements. Shell companies, foreign bank accounts, false invoices... so many ways to hide the origin and true owners of the money. The funds could then be collected through prepaid bank cards, transfers or cash remittances.

At the head of this network, according to the prosecution, is Henri de Croÿ, a 68-year-old Belgian prince, specialist in international taxation. His brother, Emmanuel, and several former Helin managers or intermediaries are also among the defendants.

Revealed in September 2018 by L'Obs and Radio France, the case has already given rise to several convictions in separate proceedings. The trial of the alleged main organizers is scheduled to continue until December 3.

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