Police searches Lactalis HQ in tax fraud case

Tax inspectors have searched the headquarters of the world’s largest dairy producer, Lactalis, as part of an ongoing investigation into serious tax fraud. The house of its CEO, Emmanuel Besnier, was also searched.

“Old facts”

Investigations into possible tax fraud by Lactalis have been ongoing since 2018. The company allegedly diverted profits to subsidiaries in Belgium and Luxembourg in order to pay several hundred million euros less in taxes in France. Earlier this week, searches took place at the group’s headquarters in Laval, as well as in its offices in Paris and the private residence of its CEO – who is not suspected of personal tax fraud.

Speaking to Le Monde, the company responded that the searches “took place peacefully” and are “part of a procedure based on old facts”, covering the period between 2009 and 2020. Lactalis is the world’s largest dairy group, best known for brands such as Président, Galbani and Leerdammer.