Paris – French prosecutors have not yet begun a formal investigation into allegations surrounding a property purchase made by Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš in the south of France. The National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF) has not received the case file from investigators, according to Louis Turgis, head of the PNF’s press office, as reported on February 23, 2026. The delay raises questions about the timeline of the investigation and the potential for the case to be affected by statutes of limitations.
The investigation centers on the purchase of a villa and surrounding land, a transaction that surfaced in the Pandora Papers, a leak of financial documents revealing offshore holdings of numerous individuals. According to French newspaper Le Monde, Babiš acquired the property in September 2009 through a series of offshore companies. The two properties, including the villa with a three-hectare plot, were initially purchased by a company based in Monaco, which at the time was owned by a U.S.-based offshore entity. The total cost of the properties was approximately 14 million euros, equivalent to roughly 338 million Czech crowns at current exchange rates.
The PNF had previously indicated that the investigation would be concluded around the turn of the year, but has since remained silent on a definitive timeline. Turgis declined to comment on whether the approaching statute of limitations was a concern, stating, “We cannot comment on our future decision at this stage,” when asked about a potential decision to drop the case or pursue charges against the Czech Prime Minister.
Investigation Timeline and Legal Considerations
The French legal framework surrounding potential tax fraud charges introduces a degree of complexity. While tax fraud generally has a six-year statute of limitations in France, this period can be extended for crimes committed in secrecy, beginning from the time the crime is discovered. But, any prosecution must be initiated within 12 years of the offense taking place, according to the French government portal Service-Public.fr. This creates a narrowing window for French authorities to act.
The case has drawn attention not only for the allegations of financial impropriety but too for the question of Babiš’s immunity as a sitting prime minister. Legal experts consulted by ČTK, a Czech news agency, have indicated that Babiš enjoys immunity while in office. However, this immunity is specific to his role as head of government and does not extend to Czech parliamentary immunity, meaning French authorities are not obligated to seek permission from the Czech Parliament to pursue the investigation.
Pandora Papers and the Offshore Structure
The Pandora Papers, a collaborative investigation by hundreds of journalists around the world, revealed a vast network of offshore companies and financial dealings. The leak provided details of the complex structure used to purchase the French villa, raising questions about the source of funds and potential tax implications. The investigation by Le Monde, based on the Pandora Papers, detailed the chain of offshore entities involved in the transaction, highlighting the efforts to conceal the ultimate ownership of the property.
The investigation’s progress has been closely watched in both the Czech Republic and France. In the Czech Republic, the allegations have fueled criticism of Babiš, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing. The case has become a recurring point of contention in Czech politics, with opposition parties calling for greater transparency and accountability.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
Currently, the ball remains in the court of the investigators, who must submit the case file to the PNF. Until the PNF receives and reviews the file, a decision on whether to formally investigate Babiš cannot be made. The lack of a firm timeline adds to the uncertainty surrounding the case. The PNF has indicated it anticipates making a decision on the matter, but has not provided a specific date.
The delay in the investigation is likely to continue to be a subject of scrutiny, particularly as the statute of limitations looms. The outcome of the case could have significant political ramifications, both in the Czech Republic and potentially in France, depending on the findings of the investigation. The next official update is expected to approach from the PNF once the case file has been received and reviewed.
This is a developing story.
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