Magali Berdah Faces Serious Charges: Bankruptcy and Money Laundering Trial
In a high-profile trial unfolding at the Nice Criminal Court, Magali Berdah, known as the 'Pope of Influencers,' is facing significant legal challenges. The prosecution has requested an 18-month prison sentence, including six months to be served under an electronic bracelet, for her alleged involvement in bankruptcy and money laundering related to her past role as an insurance broker. This case stems from her time with BA&CO, a brokerage firm that she claims she was merely an employee of, but which the prosecution argues she managed de facto.
The allegations date back to 2014 and 2015, when BA&CO faced severe financial difficulties leading to its receivership in 2015, with debts estimated at 2.5 million euros. The prosecutor, Sylvie Maillard, emphasized that Berdah was the central figure in the firm, despite her denials. Evidence presented includes questionable financial transactions, such as over 80,000 euros withdrawn in cash without justification and luxury expenses charged to a company account, raising concerns about the blurred lines between her personal and professional finances.
Berdah's defense team argues that the investigation was flawed and that the prosecution's case relies heavily on her public persona rather than concrete evidence. They claim that her previous companies were liquidated properly and that she has managed numerous businesses successfully. However, the prosecution highlighted her past conviction for abuse of weakness, where she borrowed money from a vulnerable individual, as indicative of her questionable financial practices.
The trial has drawn significant media attention, especially following the cyberbullying campaign led by rapper Booba against Berdah in 2022, which resulted in multiple convictions for online harassment against her detractors. The court's decision on her fate is expected to be announced on November 25, leaving many to speculate on the implications for her career as an influencer and businesswoman.
