Investigators from Paris’s financial and anti-corruption squad searched the Élysée Palace as part of a probe into how contracts for Pantheon entrance ceremonies have been awarded, with a focus on a single events company involved in past ceremonies.

The inquiry centers on potential corruption, favoritism, conflicts of interest, and influence peddling related to public contracts tied to Pantheon ceremonies and other events, including multiple searches across homes and offices.

The raids at the Élysée Palace aimed at scrutinizing contracts awarded to Shortcut Events for prestigious memorial ceremonies, highlighting concerns over repeated engagement of the same company over years.

Shortcut Events declined to comment when contacted for information.

Initial reporting notes that full details are behind a paywall and require subscription for access.

Reporting on the case is attributed to Inti Landauro and Michel Rose.

Authorities indicated that further information will be released as investigations progress.

Shortcut Events, a firm established in 1996, employs about thirty people and has organized high-profile events such as national ceremonies and commemorations, including the 2023 inauguration of the Francophonie City and the 2024 D-Day 80th anniversary events.

The reporting and confirmation come from Canard Enchaîné and Agence France-Presse, with sources close to the case noting the same details.

Since 2002, Shortcut Events has reportedly been the principal organizer of Pantheon entrance ceremonies, according to Canard Enchaîné.

The inquiry examines why Shortcut Events has repeatedly organized Pantheon inductions for notable figures over two decades, with estimates that each ceremony cost around two million euros.

The raid and investigation focus on contracts for Pantheon entry ceremonies awarded between 2002 and 2004, and whether there was favorable treatment or irregular procurement.