Athanor Trial: Up to 30 Years' Imprisonment Sought Against 19 Accused Members of Criminal Ring
The public prosecution service sought sentences ranging from 18 months' suspended imprisonment to 30 years' imprisonment against members of the Athanor Masonic lodge. Verdict expected on 17 July.
Athanor Trial: Sentencing Recommendations Delivered After Two Days of Proceedings
Following two days of sentencing arguments, prosecutors requested sentences ranging from 18 months' imprisonment with suspension to 30 years' imprisonment against 19 of the 22 accused in the Athanor trial, according to bfmtv.com. The defendants are being prosecuted for their roles in a clandestine operation accused of murdering racing driver Laurent Pasquali and several attempted murders.
Acquittal was instead requested for three alleged masterminds, including the Maarek couple, prosecuted for complicity in murder as part of an organised criminal group in connection with Pasquali's assassination.
Network Leaders Targeted by Most Severe Sentences
The most severe sentencing recommendations were pronounced against those whom public prosecutor Anabelle Philippe designated as "the three accused who form the foundation without which nothing would have happened". Thirty years' imprisonment was sought against former DCRI agent Daniel B., 72, and 25 years against business executive Frédéric V., 55. The two men met within the Athanor Masonic lodge in the Hauts-de-Seine, where their fraternal bond gradually shifted towards a "commercial and criminal" relationship.
Twenty-two years' imprisonment was requested against Sébastien L., the operative involved in all the criminal contracts examined by the specially constituted assize court since 30 March. Prosecutors also sought 20 years' imprisonment against Dylan B., whom the 36-year-old former security agent accuses of firing the fatal shot against Laurent Pasquali — accusations that the latter has contested since the start of investigations.
Sentences of 15 and 13 years' imprisonment were furthermore requested against two military personnel, Pierre B. and Carl E., arrested in July 2020 at the foot of the home of a business coach targeted by a murder plot.
A "Crime SME" Concealed Behind Legitimate Appearances
The public prosecution service stated it was "stunned by the reality of this case", facing accused individuals "integrated" into society, capable of "putting contracts on people's heads over a good meal" and disguising "murders beneath the appearance of ordinariness".
Over two days, prosecutors Nicolas d'Hervé and Anabelle Philippe traced the "growing power" of this organisation which they described as a "secret society founded on greed and pride", with a "rhizomatic" structure — meaning capable of constantly adapting and evolving.
Athanor's functioning imitated that of an ordinary commercial enterprise. Murders, beatings, thefts, industrial espionage: quotations, payment facilities, reminders and even VAT deductions were sent to clients under the guise of legitimate services. In total, 210,000 euros were accumulated by what prosecutors called a "small crime business", whose "primary motive" was money.
The division of roles was precise: Frédéric V. was responsible for securing contracts and transferred a third of the sums received to Daniel B., described as "responsible for the operational side and for whom nothing is impossible". Both claimed past or present involvement with intelligence services, promising operators and clients total impunity.
Operatives Invoke Manipulation
Several defendants denied any criminal intention, presenting themselves as state agents manipulated by their commanders. Sébastien L., described as fascinated by the film Matrix and the world of espionage, claims to have been recruited to carry out state missions "outside the framework" — which the prosecution describes as imaginary.
"Contrary to the Matrix scenario, the red pill here is a world of illusion and euphoria", said Nicolas d'Hervé, describing "an absurd role-playing game". The main operative, who had failed the police recruitment examination, "always knew", according to prosecutors, that Daniel B. — "a master in the art of deception" — was offering him "a life of intrigue, not the life of an agent".
This same operative allegedly presented himself as an agent to recruit military personnel from the DGSE, now being prosecuted for attempted murder as part of an organised criminal group.
Verdict Expected on 17 July
The trial will now continue with defence arguments. Verdict is scheduled for 17 July.
Source: Le Monde - Justice