Paris — An investigation into French tycoon Vincent Bollore over suspected corruption in Africa is a rare exception among corporate titans doing business south of the Sahara. Bollore — charged last week in connection with contracts to operate ports in Guinea and Togo — is the most prominent business leader to be investigated in France for suspicious activities in Africa. Bollore went on the offensive on Sunday, claiming the case was rooted in prejudice about the continent. In an article in French weekly Le Journal du Dimanche, the head of the Bollore Group said the continent was wrongfully portrayed in France as a "land of misrule, even corruption. People imagine heads of state deciding by themselves to award huge contracts to unscrupulous investors," he said. Investigating magistrates on Thursday charged Bollore after allegations that his group’s communications arm undercharged the presidents of Guinea and Togo for work on their election campaigns as sweeteners for contracts to ope...
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