Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed under formal investigation over alleged influence peddling.
He appeared before a judge late on Tuesday, after presenting himself early that morning for police questioning, which lasted 15 hours.
This is thought to be the first time a former French head of state has been held in police custody.
Mr Sarkozy’s lawyer, Thierry Herzog, was also placed under formal investigation as part of the same case.
A magistrate, Gilbert Azibert, also appeared before a judge.
When a suspect is placed under formal investigation, he or she is then examined by a judge, who determines whether there is sufficient evidence for the suspect to be charged, BBC informs.
