French ‘supercop’ is charged with corruption

A Paris court has ordered one of France’s top police officers to be detained on corruption charges.

Charismatic Michel Neyret, who has been dubbed the city of Lyon’s “Supercop” has also been accused of drug trafficking, money laundering and colluding with international drug barons.

His lawyer, Aurélie Sauvayre says Neyret claims always to have worked within the law.

“He has reiterated and confirmed what he has always said. He is very proud of his job as a police officer. And he has things to say.”

In Lyon, Deputy Commissioner Neyret is seen as a hero by many for his success in cutting drug crime and stopping jewellery heists in France’s second largest city.

But suspicions were raised during a police phone-tapping operation connected to international drug trafficking. It was revealed that Neyret had allegedly received cash and gifts form organised crime members.

Swiss bank accounts are being probed and several other police officers are also being investigated.

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