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Billionaire Faces Prison for Illegal Hunting
7 Sep
Summary
- Billionaire Olivier Bouygues is on trial for illegal hunting.
- Protected birds were discovered in a mass grave on his estate.
- Defendants face up to seven years in prison if convicted.
French billionaire Olivier Bouygues, with a net worth nearing €3.2 billion, is currently facing a landmark trial in Orléans. He and five other defendants are accused of illegal hunting practices on his private estate near the Sologne Forest. The investigation, prompted by an anonymous tip, uncovered a mass grave containing protected bird species such as egrets, kestrels, and buzzards.
Authorities also seized prohibited items, including outlawed weapons and jaw traps, along with a list detailing species targeted for elimination. An excavator used for disposing of hunted animals was also confiscated from Bouygues' extensive property. The trial, unprecedented in French legal history, aims to serve as a warning to the wealthy against disregarding environmental laws.
If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including up to seven years imprisonment and a fine of €750,000. Environmental and animal protection associations have joined the case as civil parties, highlighting the significant impact of these alleged actions on biodiversity. The proceedings are expected to conclude this week.
