Former investigating judge Renaud Van Ruymbeke, known for having notably investigated the Elf, Kerviel and Cahuzac cases, died at the age of 71, the Minister of Justice, Eric Dupond, announced this Friday, May 10. Moretti.
“Judge Renaud Van Ruymbeke has left us. France loses a great magistrate and Justice an immense servant. I send my heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones,” wrote the Minister of Justice on (ex-Twitter).
Retired since 2019, the emblematic investigating judge embodied the fight against fraud and corruption by often confronting the highest levels of power. Recognizable by his eternal mustache, this great football fan, also an accomplished pianist, 42 years in the service of justice, found himself, despite himself, in the restricted circle of magistrates known to the general public.
Sensitive matters
Among his instructions are notably the Urba affair, on the secret financing of the Socialist Party, investigations into Jérôme Cahuzac and the Balkany couple, or even the complex affair of the Taiwan frigates. In 2008, he also led the investigation into the giant frauds of Société Générale trader Jérôme Kerviel.
“There is a lot of money at our doors and no one is doing anything”, he regretted during the last interview given to AFP, in November 2022. He called for “the need for awareness”, “at a time when States have significant deficits, great needs for hospitals, for the energy transition”.
“He embodied the image of the independent and courageous investigating judge, and will leave an indelible mark in the judicial history of our country,” responded on Rémy Heitz, Attorney General at the Court of Cassation.