French billionaire Vincent Bolloré has been ordered to stand trial in December over bribery allegations related to a Togo port contract. The charges stem from a deal secured over 15 years ago, with prosecutors accusing Bolloré of using illicit payments to win the lucrative concession. The case centers on whether Bolloré's business practices crossed legal boundaries in West Africa.

Bolloré, who controls the Bolloré Group, a multinational conglomerate with interests in media, logistics, and industry, has built his empire over decades. The Togo port contract was part of his African expansion strategy through his company's port and logistics division. If convicted, Bolloré could face significant penalties that might impact his business operations across multiple sectors.

The trial represents a major legal challenge for one of France's most prominent business figures. The case has been building for years as French authorities investigated foreign business dealings. A conviction could damage Bolloré's reputation and potentially affect his company's ability to secure international contracts.