July 1 former French president Nicolas Sarkozy was detained when he arrived for questioning at the department of legal police in the city of Nanterre. This was the first case in the contemporary history of France when an ex-head of state was placed under custody.

Sarkozy is a suspect in a case of alleged influence peddling, i.e. influencing an official in aim to make him do certain acts for a consideration.

Sarkozy was later released from custody.

Former world leaders brought under investigation in this photo gallery by ITAR-TASS.