Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy's home, offices searched

Paris: French investigators have searched the home and offices of former President Nicolas Sarkozy as part of a probe into suspected illegal financing of his 2007 presidential campaign, officials said today.

The official says Judge Jean-Michel Gentil and other investigators from the Paris financial crimes unit conducted the search. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to be publicly named discussing an ongoing investigation.

The probe centers on the finances of France's richest woman, L'Oreal cosmetics heiress Lilliane Bettencourt.

Allegations have emerged that she provided illegal campaign cash to Sarkozy's party. Sarkozy, who lost the presidency to Francois Hollande in May elections, denies the claims.

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