Overview
- On Monday the public prosecutor asked for up to 16 years in prison for Félix Bingui, plus a two‑thirds period of sûreté and fines as high as €500,000.
- Twenty suspects have been on trial since May 18 at the Marseille criminal court on charges of drug trafficking, criminal association and money laundering based on long-term wiretaps and video surveillance.
- Prosecutors say the evidence shows a structured network selling large volumes from north Marseille points such as 'La Fontaine' and describe roles for sellers, suppliers, couriers and money launderers.
- Bingui denies involvement but struggled to explain a lavish lifestyle that prosecutors tie to illicit profits, while his lawyers call the requested sentences unprecedented and disproportionate.
- Closing arguments begin Tuesday and a verdict is expected at the end of the week with potential wider effects on sentencing for large-scale cannabis trafficking and on Marseille’s public-safety debate after deadly 2023 gang clashes.