Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy appeared before an investigating judge officially on Friday amid suspicions of influencing a witness and fraud, as part of an investigation into the possibility of receiving illegal Libyan funding for his 2007 electoral campaign.

In contrast, Sarkozy has always denied committing any offenses, and he is set to stand trial over accusations of accepting Libyan money illegally. His lawyer could not be reached for comment.

A spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office said that Sarkozy is accused in the latest investigation of attempting to influence a witness and being involved in criminal activity for the purpose of fraud.

Sarkozy has appeared before a judge since Tuesday in an investigation that began in May 2021, after Lebanese-French businessman Ziad Takieddine appeared in media interviews retracting a previous claim that he had delivered Libyan funds to assist Sarkozy.

The former conservative president, who was in office from 2007 to 2012, could face a prison sentence of up to ten years if convicted in this case, and he is also accused in other legal matters.