Jacques Bouthier faces trial for rape and human trafficking

The Paris Prosecutor's Office has requested that 79-year-old Jacques Bouthier, the former CEO and founder of the insurance company Assu 2000 (now Vilavi), be sent to a criminal court to face charges of rape of a minor and human trafficking.

Bouthier, once among France's wealthiest individuals, was placed under investigation in May 2022 following allegations from a victim known by the pseudonym Aïcha. The prosecution alleges that Bouthier exploited the vulnerability of a Moroccan woman who arrived in France at age 16 without documentation, forcing her into prostitution in exchange for housing and the promise of legal papers.

In addition to Bouthier, the prosecutor has requested that four other individuals, including his wife, be referred to trial. The prosecution also seeks charges of criminal conspiracy, alleging that Bouthier used his wealth and influence to maintain and sequester the victim within a context of forced prostitution. While Bouthier has denied the charges of rape and trafficking, he has acknowledged abusing the vulnerability of precarious young women he hosted in exchange for sexual relations.