French Rapper Gims Subject to Formal Inquiry for ‘Aggravated Money Laundering’

Gims, the Congolese-born French artist known for his stage name, has been officially investigated for charges of “aggravated money laundering” and “money laundering through an organized group.” The rapper, Gandhi Djuna, was detained at a Paris airport on Wednesday by the anti-fraud unit and held in custody for two days before being released under judicial supervision after securing bail.

Despite his current status under scrutiny, Gims remains a prominent figure in France, having topped the country’s sales charts as its most popular recording artist in 2025. He has lived in Morocco for over a decade, yet his financial activities are now drawing attention from French authorities. Le Monde reports that his arrest, along with two associates, is tied to a broader probe into a cross-border money-laundering operation that has been active since 2023.

“The ONAF [National Anti-Fraud Office] has uncovered potential ties between this international network and multiple suspects, including Gandhi Djuna, also known as Gims,” stated the National Prosecutor’s Office for Organised Crime (Pnaco) in a recent announcement.

The investigation focuses on alleged misuse of illegally obtained funds for overseas property investments and efforts to obscure the source of the money. One such project under review is a high-end residential development in southern Morocco, linked to Gims. The complex, named Sunset Village Private Residences, features 117 villas surrounding a 3,000 m² lagoon and includes amenities like sports facilities, a spa, and a sauna.

Gims has featured in promotional videos highlighting the development’s offerings, which were launched in 2025 with his presence. The Pnaco noted that the company managing the project is also being examined by customs officials. The case highlights a “typical” money-laundering network, characterized by its extensive reach, with over 2,000 French companies reportedly involved in the scheme.