French prosecutors widened their probe into the disappearance of €14 billion worth of Hermès shares, placing three Swiss lawyers under formal investigation. The case concerns allegations that advisers diverted shares from Hermès heir Nicolas Puech to benefit LVMH during Bernard Arnault's covert stake-building in the luxury group.

The decade-long investigation stems from complaints filed by Hermès more than ten years ago. Arnault's stake, revealed in 2010 and peaking at 23%, triggered a battle between the two French luxury families. Hermès rebuffed the takeover attempt, and LVMH was fined in 2013 for improper disclosure of its stake-building process.

LVMH denies involvement in the alleged fraud, stating it "does not know what became of Nicolas Puech's shares." The fourth suspect, Puech's deceased wealth adviser Eric Freymund, was suspected of orchestrating the diversion. All suspects deny the allegations, and the investigation continues with no indictments yet issued.