Subsection 3: Abuse of weakness

Abusing a person’s weakness or ignorance within the meaning of articles L. 121-8 to L. 121-10 is punishable by three years’ imprisonment and a fine of 375,000 euros. The amount of the fine may be increased, in proportion to the benefits derived from the offence, to 10% of average annual turnover, calculated on the basis of the last three annual turnover figures known on the date of the offence.

Natural persons guilty of the offence punishable under Article L. 132-14 also incur as additional penalties the prohibition, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Article 131-27 of the Criminal Code, to hold a public office or to engage in the professional or social activity in the exercise or on the occasion of the exercise of which the offence was committed, or to engage in a commercial or…