The deputy of Val-d’Oise Carlos Martens Bilongo is under investigation for laundering tax fraud, abuse of corporate assets and failure to declare to the HATVP, according to information confirmed by Europe 1. Last November, the elected of La France insoumise had accused his colleague from the RN, Grégoire de Fournas, of racism, after the latter had declared “that they are returning to Africa” when speaking of the migrants present on board the boat Ocean Viking. The 32-year-old parliamentarian, of Congolese and Angolan origin, thought that his far-right counterpart was addressing him directly.
An announcement that occurs on the day of the publication of his book
Carlos Martens Bilongo is suspected of having concealed just under 200,000 euros from the authorities and is the subject of a procedure opened in mid-April following a report from Tracfin, Bercy’s financial intelligence unit. The Pontoise public prosecutor’s office declined to provide further details of the investigation. Asked by AFP, the deputy of Val-d’Oise did not respond immediately.
The announcement of the opening of the investigation comes on the day of the publication of his first book, Black French at Philippe Rey editions, testimony on “its history made up of struggles, survival strategies, intelligence on the ground”. While promoting his book on Thursday, the deputy defended himself tooth and nail. “I do not have an account abroad. I have the “Revolut” application which is in Lithuania, if it is this account that causes stains, I accept it but allow me to see my lawyers for to be able to respond in peace,” he said.
“As by chance, it falls on the day of the release of his book”
Carlos Martens Bilongo also questions the participants about the temporality of these accusations. For Jason, who bought his book, the deputy is the victim of a conspiracy. “As by chance, it falls on the day of the release of his book. It’s not a coincidence and I also see an attempt to want to prevent him from speaking,” he says.
A teacher involved in the voluntary sector, Carlos Martens Bilongo was elected in June 2022 under the Nupes label, ending the 14-year mandate of local baron François Pupponi, a socialist figure from Val-d’Oise who had joined the party. presidential. The parliamentarian has also made himself known for his positions alongside environmental defense associations which denounce the station project for the future Grand Paris metro on the Triangle de Gonesse.