'LV boss under investigation for suspected money laundering'
Bernard Arnault, the chairman and CEO of LVMH, is under investigation in France for suspected money laundering. The probe began in 2022 due to suspicious transfers between Arnault and a Russian businessman, initiating preliminary investigations that have now triggered a full-fledged inquiry by French prosecutors.
1 October 2023
The news has sparked heated reactions on Chinese social media platform Weibo, with users expressing various opinions about the case. Some are puzzled about the difference between money laundering and fraud, while others are more concerned about the potential consequences in France for those found guilty of money laundering.
"Who can tell me, what's the difference between this and fraud?" one user asked. Another user pointed out that, in France, money laundering is usually punished with fines or confiscation of assets if proven guilty.
The news has also led to discussions about the connection between luxury brands like LV and wealthy individuals. "The more they peel, the richer they are," a user said, highlighting the perceived obsession of the rich with accumulating more wealth. Others have used the ongoing investigation as a basis for speculation about the motives behind certain actions, such as Angelababy and Zhang Jiaoni attending a show featuring Lisa, a member of the South Korean girl group Blackpink.
"Is it possible that they want to make friends with European-American old money and new money?" one user wondered. Another expressed concern about the potential disbandment of Blackpink as a result of the scandal. Meanwhile, some users have jumped into the discussion with humorous comments or lighthearted remarks, poking fun at the situation.
However, not all reactions were playful or joking. Some Weibo users have expressed their disapproval of luxury brands like LV and called for severe punishment if guilty of wrongdoing. "Since LV violated the law, it is recommended that all domestic malls be removed from the shelves and brand ambassadors be terminated," one user suggested. They argued that everyone should be treated equally without double standards.
On a more philosophical note, some users have pondered about the true motivations of the wealthy, suggesting that once their wealth reaches a certain level, it cannot significantly improve their lives. "Living a good life, don't make things difficult," one user advised. Another expressed confusion about the high prices of luxury bags and wondered if they were justified for convenient washing.
In conclusion, the investigation into Bernard Arnault and LVMH has sparked diverse reactions on Weibo, ranging from humorous comments to serious discussions about wealth, luxury brands, and consequences of illegal activities. As the case unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Chinese netizens continue to engage with the topic and share their thoughts on the matter.