Pakistani-French Designer Mehmood Bhatti Receives Suspended Sentence for Tax Fraud
Mehmood Bhatti received a two-year suspended prison term and a €150,000 fine after pleading guilty to tax fraud and aggravated money laundering at the Paris Court of Appeals. The court also imposed a 10-year ban on managing a company and ordered the confiscation of three watches and three Jaguars.
Le MondeMehmood Bhatti appeared briefly at the Paris Court of Appeals on Tuesday, May 19, and pleaded guilty to tax fraud committed between 2009 and 2012 and aggravated money laundering from 2009 to 2014. The investigation determined that Bhatti used a system of loans through a company based in the United Arab Emirates to fund his lifestyle.
The court handed down a two-year suspended prison term, a €150,000 fine, and a 10-year ban on managing a company. Three watches and three Jaguars were confiscated from him.
Arrived in France in the mid-1970s at age 20 and built a ready-to-wear fashion business. His black faux-leather jacket sold several million units, according to his statements. He previously faced charges of financial fraud in 2001 and was suspected of involvement in a money-laundering network.
The current case stems from an initial conviction in November 2024 that Bhatti appealed before admitting the charges in exchange for the reduced sentence.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- Mid-1970s
Bhatti arrived in France at age 20 and began building a fashion business.
1 sourceLe Monde - 2001
Bhatti faced charges of financial fraud and suspected money laundering.
1 sourceLe Monde - November 2024
Bhatti received an initial conviction for tax fraud and money laundering.
1 sourceLe Monde - May 19, 2026
Bhatti pleaded guilty at the Paris Court of Appeals and received a reduced sentence.
1 sourceLe Monde
Potential Impact
- 01
Bhatti cannot manage a company for the next ten years.
- 02
The confiscated vehicles and watches are now state property.
Transparency Panel
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