McDonald’s Summoned by French Interior Minister Over Illegal Lottery Allegations

2002-03-22
2 min read

An article written by Christophe Dubois and published in the French newspaper Le Parisien on March 22, 2002, serves as an important piece of evidence highlighting McDonald’s Corporation’s questionable activities in France, especially involving their interactions with the French legal system and law enforcement. It reveals that the company’s highest level executives were summoned by the Minister of the Interior due to concerns about a promotional game, termed Euro McPailles (which could translate as McStraws), which was suspected to contravene French lottery laws. This indicates that McDonald’s was significantly on the radar of French authorities for potentially illegal activities. The case would go to trial.

Furthermore, the article underscores a deep concern for child safety in France, a notable aspect given the global reach of McDonald’s marketing strategies. An investigator highlighted in the report critically pointed out McDonald’s apparent disregard for the protection of minors, a statement that reflected the vigilance of the French authorities towards predatory marketing practices aimed at children back then.

The situation becomes even more problematic when considering McDonald’s France’s later legal representation. At some point, the company started using a law firm founded by the parents of Frédéric Péchenard, who was deeply embedded in the French National Police, ascending to the role of General Director. Before his appointment as General Director in 2007, Péchenard was involved in economic and financial affairs within the police. The engagement of his family’s law firm by McDonald’s France, despite their ongoing legal and ethical challenges, including serious allegations of fraud and money laundering, raises significant concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of law enforcement oversight.

This connection might appear to some as McDonald’s attempting to shield itself from scrutiny by aligning with influential legal advisors closely linked to top law enforcement officials. Such actions severely undermine trust in the French National Police and, by extension, the French government, suggesting a conflict of interest that could potentially impact the impartiality and effectiveness of legal enforcement against corporate misconduct. Thus, this article not only shines a light on McDonald’s past legal challenges but also poses critical questions about the integrity and independence of law enforcement in relation to powerful multinational corporations.

To gain a clearer understanding of the sequence of events in this case, I invite you to view a detailed timeline at the following link:
https://www.ECTHRwatch.org/timeline/mcdonalds/
This timeline provides a comprehensive overview of the key milestones and developments.

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Vincent B. Le Corre

 I am the key witness and whistleblower in the major criminal RICO case targeting McDonald’s Corporation and their accomplices for fraud, money laundering, and corruption of foreign officials and magistrates. Initially granted anonymity by the European Court of Human Rights (Rules 33 and 47 of the Rules of Court), I made the decision in August 2023 to temporarily go public with my identity. This decision, driven by concerns for my own safety and that of my loved ones, was taken despite the potential risks, hoping it will be temporary only and that I can return to anonymity soon.