Prominent French criminal lawyer Antoine Vey, known for his high-profile legal work and former partnership with Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti, has been formally indicted. On July 9, judicial authorities placed Vey under investigation for moral harassment in the workplace and breach of trust. These charges follow complaints from eight former collaborators and two former employees who allege a pattern of abusive management practices occurring between 2016 and 2022.
The investigation, which involved a five-day interrogation, centers on allegations of a volatile and insecure work environment. According to reports, complainants described a system characterized by contradictory instructions, constant availability demands, and humiliating behavior. Specific examples cited by those involved include the use of a grading system for work performance and the issuance of so-called red cards, which critics argue created an atmosphere of fear and professional instability.
In addition to the harassment charges, Vey faces accusations of breach of trust, with investigators looking into whether he improperly utilized staff time for personal matters. Regarding separate allegations of sexual harassment, Vey has been granted the status of a witness under assistance, a legal designation in France that allows an individual to be investigated without being fully indicted for that specific charge at this stage.
Antoine Vey has publicly contested the allegations of intentional humiliation. His defense maintains that his management style, while demanding, was intended to be pedagogical. He has characterized his actions as attempts to instill a sense of professional rigor, arguing that he sought to ensure his team understood the serious consequences that legal errors could have for their clients. The case now moves into a deeper phase of judicial instruction, where further evidence will be weighed to determine if the matter proceeds to trial.