The Nice Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the opening of an investigation for recording sensitive personal data without consent. Several searches have been conducted as part of this case, revealed by a whistleblower.
On August 12, the judicial police conducted several searches in Nice. They aim to seize computer data as part of an inquiry into possible illegal profiling by the entourage of the deputy of Alpes-Maritimes Éric Ciotti. The Nice Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the information, revealed by Libération and Nice-Matin.
The case originated in the spring. An anonymous whistleblower then reported the existence of files containing sensitive personal data. According to Libération, they had been compiled by people close to Éric Ciotti and concerned several hundred residents of Nice identified as influential figures. The documents would mention precise information about their religion, origin, disability status, or even their assets.
Sensitive Data and Preliminary Investigation
The Public Prosecutor of Nice, Damien Martinelli, specified that the preliminary investigation was opened in May for “recording or storing sensitive personal data without the consent of the individuals concerned.”
The files described by Libération appear in the form of Excel spreadsheets. They contain the name, surname, address, and phone number, as well as mentions like “Jewish faith,” “Protestant,” “Armenian community,” “deaf,” “blind,” or “property owner.” Access to these lists would have been limited to a small group of collaborators.
The National Commission on Informatics and Liberty (CNIL) confirmed receiving a complaint related to these practices. This independent authority is tasked with ensuring the protection of personal data.
The prosecutor indicates that Tuesday’s searches aimed to collect material evidence, especially digital. The exact locations were not confirmed, but Nice-Matin mentioned the headquarters of the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council. Éric Ciotti was its president from 2008 to 2017 and still chairs its finance committee.
Political Context and Possible Electoral Stakes
This case comes at a particular time for Éric Ciotti. At the end of August, he is set to hold his political comeback and could announce his candidacy for the Nice mayoral election in 2026. The outgoing mayor, Christian Estrosi (Horizons), has already declared he will run again.
According to Libération again, some files would contain the mention “Estrosi?”, suggesting a questioning about possible links between certain individuals and the current mayor.
Contacted by AFP, Éric Ciotti and his associates reportedly have not responded to inquiries. At this stage, nothing establishes whether he had direct knowledge of these files.
In France, handling sensitive personal data without consent can lead to up to five years in prison and a fine between 300,000 and 1.5 million euros.
The investigation continues under the authority of the Nice Prosecutor’s Office. The judicial outcome will depend on the elements gathered during the investigations and the searches conducted on August 12.
