A high-profile trial has begun in Baku involving a French executive accused of defrauding Azerbaijani-Russian billionaire Farhad Akhmedov under the pretense of helping him evade international sanctions and regain control of his luxury yacht.

According to Bizimyol.info, the case centers on Anass Derraz, Vice President of the French multinational corporation Saur, who is accused of accepting millions in bribes from Akhmedov in exchange for false promises of diplomatic intervention.

On July 17, a hearing was held at the Baku Court for Serious Crimes, presided over by Judge Farid Namazov. During the session, the defendant’s identity and legal rights were clarified, and a translator was appointed. The court then proceeded to read out the charges.

Prosecutors allege that Derraz conspired with Alexandre Benalla—the former head of security for French President Emmanuel Macron—to deceive Akhmedov. They promised to help lift the arrest warrant on Akhmedov’s superyacht Luna and to shield him from international sanctions, enabling him to freely sail international waters once again.

In return, Akhmedov agreed to pay a total of $6.14 million. The deal included an initial transfer of $600,000 on November 15, 2018, followed by $5.54 million to be paid within 15 days of the yacht being released. A formal consulting agreement was signed, and funds were transferred to accounts belonging to both Derraz and Benalla.

The case has been under investigation by Azerbaijan’s State Security Service. Anass Derraz is currently in custody and facing charges under Articles 193-1.3.2 (money laundering involving significant assets) and 32.5, 311.3.3 (large-scale passive bribery) of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code.

While Derraz is being tried in Azerbaijan, Alexandre Benalla is the subject of an international arrest warrant issued via Interpol.

The trial has been adjourned until July 31, when Derraz is expected to give testimony.

Reported by Aytan, Bizimyol.info