Marco Mouly, known as the 'king of scams,' was arrested in Rome on Sunday, March 30, 2025, upon arriving from a flight from Israel, where he had been living since November 2024. This arrest marks a significant chapter in the long and tumultuous legal saga surrounding the 59-year-old businessman, who has been a central figure in one of Europe's largest tax fraud cases linked to the 'carbon tax.'
Mouly had been on the run since his conviction in absentia by the Tribunal de Paris, which sentenced him to three years in prison and imposed a lifetime ban on managing any company. His flight from justice was facilitated by his claims that the financial prosecutor had mishandled his case, asserting, "I was sentenced to three years in a case where anyone else would have received eight months suspended sentence," as he told Le Parisien in January, while posting selfies from Tel Aviv.
His legal troubles began to escalate after a series of investigations revealed that he had orchestrated his insolvency to avoid repaying substantial judicial debts accrued from various court cases. The Tribunal de Paris had initially sought a four-year prison sentence against him, citing his repeated offenses and failure to learn from past convictions.
In 2017, Mouly was sentenced to eight years in prison and fined one million euros for his involvement in the VAT fraud case related to pollution rights, a scheme that had far-reaching implications across Europe. His notoriety only grew after he was featured in a Netflix series that dramatized his exploits and the larger context of financial fraud in France.
Upon his arrest, Italian police acted on an Interpol red notice that had been issued against him since November 2024. This notice was a direct consequence of his previous convictions and the ongoing investigations into his fraudulent activities. The arrest occurred at Rome's airport, where he was apprehended as he disembarked from his flight.
According to reports, Mouly had left France just as the Tribunal was deliberating on his case, a move seen as an attempt to evade justice. His lawyer, Me Philippe Ohayon, expressed hopes for a fair trial upon his return to France, stating, "We hope that he will finally get a fair trial in France." This sentiment reflects the broader concerns about the judicial process that Mouly himself has raised.
During his time in Israel, Mouly reportedly engaged in various business ventures, although many questioned the legitimacy of these activities. He was accused of minimizing his royalties in publishing contracts, particularly for the book he co-authored titled "La cavale" (2022), and of concealing income related to influencer contracts with prominent figures in the social media space.
In addition to these allegations, Mouly faced charges for creating a company, SAS I Trade, which was found to have no real economic activity. This aspect of his case highlights the intricate web of deceit that characterized his business dealings and the lengths he went to in order to maintain his facade.
As the legal proceedings against him unfold, the implications of Mouly's actions extend beyond his personal circumstances. His case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that authorities face in combating financial fraud, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals. The public's interest in his story, amplified by media coverage and popular culture representations, underscores the societal fascination with tales of deception and the quest for justice.
While Mouly's escapades may have captivated audiences, they also raise important questions about accountability and the effectiveness of the legal system in addressing complex financial crimes. As he prepares to face the consequences of his actions in France, the outcome of his case could set precedents for future cases involving financial fraud and corporate misconduct.
In the coming weeks, Mouly's legal team will likely mount a defense, challenging the validity of the charges and the fairness of the judicial process he claims to have been subjected to. The scrutiny surrounding his case will undoubtedly continue, as both the public and legal experts watch closely to see how this high-profile saga concludes.
In conclusion, Marco Mouly's arrest in Rome marks a pivotal moment in a saga that has captivated the public's attention for years. With his return to France imminent, the question remains: will he finally face the justice he has long evaded?
