Nicolas Sarkozy served as France 's President between 2007 and 2012 . Two months after he left that post , authorities raided his home and offices . ( Chirac was convicted in 2011 on corruption charges tied to his time as Paris mayor . ) An investigative judge has placed him under formal investigation for breach of trust , his attorney says . Sarkozy is accused of taking advantage of an elderly L'Oreal journalist to launch a campaign .
Nicolas Sarkozy served as France 's President between 2007 and 2012 . Two months after he left that post , authorities raided his home and offices . An investigative judge has placed him under formal investigation for breach of trust , his attorney says . Sarkozy is accused of taking advantage of an elderly L'Oreal journalist to launch a campaign .