Rapper Gims Detained Upon Arrival in France
The acclaimed Congolese rapper, Gims, whose real name is Gandhi Djuna, has recently been detained in France as part of an investigation into organized money laundering. According to sources from the national anti-organized crime prosecutor's office (Pnaco), Gims was apprehended by judicial customs officials right after he disembarked from his flight at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport. Following his arrest, he was immediately placed in police custody for questioning regarding the case.
Investigations into a Complex International Money Laundering Network
The inquiries led by Parisian judges are focused on a sophisticated international money laundering network that allegedly involves numerous companies established in various countries to evade French taxes, facilitate the issuance of false invoices, and launder money derived from illegal activities. Reports suggest that five former drug traffickers from the Île-de-France region, who have since transitioned into financial crimes, have also been implicated in this investigation. Furthermore, it has come to light that authorities are examining a luxury real estate project promoted by Gims in Marrakech, Morocco, known as Sunset Village Private Residences. Given that Gims resides between France and Morocco, this aspect of the investigation is particularly relevant.
The Congolese authorities have confirmed Gims' arrest, with two officials indicating that they have contacted the French Foreign Ministry to inquire about the situation surrounding the rapper, though they have yet to receive detailed information regarding the reasons for his detention. Gims, a member of the rap group Sexion d’Assaut, launched a successful solo career in 2013 and has since become one of the best-selling artists in France, with over 570,000 records sold. In 2025, he was recognized as the highest-grossing artist in France, having sold a staggering eight million albums over two decades. His current legal troubles have drawn significant attention in the media.
As reported by humanite.fr.
