Aristophil founder Gérard Lhéritier pleads guilty, gets reduced sentence

Gérard Lhéritier, founder of the Aristophil investment scheme, pleaded guilty on April 14, 2026, in a French plea bargain procedure (CRPC) with the Paris prosecutor's office, resulting in a reduced sentence from five years to two years under electronic monitoring. Lhéritier had been convicted in December 2025 for fraud and deceptive commercial practices after a lengthy trial. The scheme involved selling shares of manuscripts and historical documents as attractive investments, collapsing and leaving thousands of investors heavily impacted. Lhéritier's admission came after eleven years of denial, on the eve of imminent incarceration, according to Guy Grandgirard, president of ADC France representing victims. The plea was initiated by his lawyer Benoît Verger. Approximately 100 million euros have been recovered, about a quarter of total losses, though redistribution details remain pending. Other defendants—a notary, an accountant, and a lawyer—have appealed their lesser sentences.