Arnault Denies Knowing About Blackmail Plot Against Him at Ex-Top Spy’s Trial

  • LVMH CEO questioned as a witness at trial of French spy chief
  • He called it ‘wacky’ and said an aide handled security alone
Bernard Arnault arrives at court in Paris on Nov. 28.Photographer: Nathan Laine/Bloomberg
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Bernard Arnault denied knowing anything about a blackmail plot against him over an alleged extramarital affair, as he gave evidence at the trial of a former French spy chief who faces several accusations including corruption.

France’s richest man appeared in a Paris court as a witness and said he found out about the extortion attempt “years later in the press,” confirming statements made earlier to investigators behind closed doors.