Article 706-103 of the French Code of Criminal Procedure
In the event of an investigation being opened for one of the offences falling within the scope of articles 706-73,706-73-1and 706-74 and in order to guarantee payment of the fines incurred and, where applicable, compensation for victims, the liberty and custody judge, at the request of the public prosecutor, may order, at the advanced expense of the Treasury and in accordance with the procedures laid down by civil enforcement procedures,…