Seven-Year Prison Sentence for Couple Behind France's Largest Real Estate Fraud

Jean and Viviane Badache were sentenced to seven years in prison by the Marseille criminal court for orchestrating one of the largest real estate frauds in French history, centered around the Apollonia company. This massive scam caused a total financial damage of approximately 1.3 billion euros, impacting about 750 victims, many of whom were professionals misled into severe over-indebtedness.

The court handed Jean Badache, aged 71, an additional fine of 2.5 million euros, while both he and Viviane had assets—including real estate, bank accounts, jewelry, and cash—worth 20 million euros confiscated. Apollonia, based in Aix-en-Provence, reportedly collected 115 million euros in commissions from 2004 to 2009 by enticing clients with promises of acquiring real estate at reduced costs. Victims were encouraged to sign blank documents, enabling the company to obtain multiple real estate loans in their names, leading to debts ranging from 800,000 to four million euros.

During the trial, several victims shared harrowing accounts of their ruined lives. Christophe, a 59-year-old dentist, recounted a pivotal moment of doubt when his spouse hesitated to sign documents during a meeting with Jean Badache, marking the beginning of a twenty-year ordeal. The couple was ordered to repay over two million euros as restitution.

This case, marked as France's largest real estate swindle, exposed the manipulative tactics of the Badaches and the devastating consequences for their victims, many of whom lost their life savings and faced financial ruin. The prosecution had sought the maximum penalties, including immediate incarceration. The sentencing on January 15, 2026, closes a chapter on one of the most extensive fraud cases, reflecting serious judicial action against fraudulent real estate schemes in France.