French billionnaire businessman Bollor'e faces formal investigation for corruption
It is claimed that a subsidiary of the Bollor'e Group deliberately undercharged for political advice, which helped elect two African presidents, in return for major business contracts.
The investigations focus on claims that the advertising agency Havas, a subsidiary of Bollor'e, offered heavily discounted communications advice to Alpha Cond'e, the Guinean president along with his Togolese counterpart, Faure Gnassingb'e during the 2009 and 2010 elections.
It is alleged that, in return, licences to operate the ports of Conakry and Lom'e were given to the Bollor'e Africa Logistics company.
Fragile Democracy
French journalist and co-author of "Vincent tout-puissant", Jean-Pierre Canet, says that if the allegations are true it is deeply troubling.
"The main victims are Africans," he says.
"That's because the fragility of the democratic systems they are trying to put in place - in particular Guinea because Togo is not democratic at all - are being compromised.
"This isn't directly by Africans themselves, but primarily, in this case, by outside organisations who have business interests in the region."
Bollor'e is one of France's best known businessmen. His empire has significant interests in Africa and also includes advertising, shipping and media.
All the companies deny any wrongdoing.