The Scandal Unfolds in Agde
In a shocking turn of events, the former mayor of Agde, Gilles d'Ettore, and a self-proclaimed clairvoyant named Sophia M. have found themselves at the center of a massive fraud case. The Béziers prosecutor, Raphaël Balland, announced the release of Sophia M. under judicial supervision. The judge's decision comes after more than three months of pre-trial detention for Sophia M., who is now prohibited from entering the department of Hérault and must establish her residence in Strasbourg.
The conditions of her release are stringent, prohibiting her from engaging in a wide array of esoteric and alternative medicine activities. This case has captivated the public due to the bizarre nature of the allegations and the high-profile individuals involved.
Manipulation and Corruption
The investigation reveals that Sophia M. used her ventriloquist talents to deceive the former mayor and others, claiming to communicate with supernatural beings. This deception allowed her to gain significant benefits, including lavish gifts and employment for her family. The most notable instance was her luxurious wedding, funded by city coffers, and extensive renovations to her home.
The scandal doesn't stop there. Several other individuals have been indicted, including Sophia M.'s husband and two regional executives from the BTP Eiffage group, all linked to the misuse of public funds and corruption. The investigation, which began in October 2023, is expected to continue for many more months, with dozens of people already interviewed.
- Sophia M.'s manipulation extended to securing jobs for her six children and husband within the municipal framework, demonstrating the extent of her influence over the former mayor. Her husband, along with two regional executives, faces charges of 'breach of trust' and 'forgery,' further complicating the case.
- The investigation also brought to light the involvement of a 63-year-old real estate developer, who allegedly financed the clairvoyant's luxurious lifestyle through his companies. This included a high-end kitchen and part of the wedding buffet, amounting to 17,000 euros.
- Adding to the complexity, Sophia M.'s daughter and a friend were also indicted for 'concealment of illegal taking of interests.' Both were employed by the town hall under questionable circumstances, highlighting the pervasive nature of the corruption.
