Murder trial opens over alleged masonic lodge crime network in Paris
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A trial has begun in France for 22 individuals accused of crimes linked to the Athanor masonic lodge in Puteaux, Paris. The defendants, including former intelligence agents, police officers, and businessmen, face charges ranging from murder to criminal conspiracy. Prosecutors allege the group operated a mafia network within the lodge, carrying out violent acts on its behalf. The case originated from a failed 2020 contract killing, revealing a network allegedly led by lodge members Jean-Luc Bagur, Frédéric Vaglio, and Daniel Beaulieu, with Sébastien Leroy accused of organizing the violence. The crimes allegedly escalated from petty attacks to homicide, including industrial espionage and the murder of a racing driver, driven by motives such as business rivalry and revenge.
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AI-ExtractedInvestigators say Bagur asked Vaglio to arrange to have his rival “eliminated” for a fee of €70,000.
Leroy admitted in police custody that he and his associates carried out most of the Athanor mafia’s assaults, robberies and killings.
The case was triggered by a failed contract killing in July 2020.
Prosecutors allege the group carried out murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault and criminal conspiracy.
Twenty-two people are to stand trial in France on charges of murder and other serious crimes.
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