Caen notary under investigation for agricultural land fraud

A notary based in Caen, France, has been placed under formal investigation following allegations of involvement in fraudulent real estate schemes. The investigation, announced by the Caen prosecutor's office on September 23, 2026, focuses on suspicious transactions involving agricultural land across various regions, including the Paris area and southern France.

The notary faces charges of fraud, forgery in public documents, and money laundering. According to prosecutor Joël Garrigue, investigators believe the individual facilitated legal structures designed to bypass the preemption rights held by municipalities and SAFER (Sociétés d’aménagement foncier et d’établissement rural). These rights allow public bodies to prioritize the purchase of agricultural land to prevent land speculation and preserve its farming purpose.

A review of a sample of the notary's official acts revealed that approximately 15% of the documents examined appeared to misrepresent the reality and objectives of the contracting parties to circumvent these regulations. The investigation was initiated in 2024 following a complaint from the association AC !! Anti-Corruption. The notary denies any fraudulent involvement.