Marco Mouly, the “King of Scams,” to Be Extradited to France — Owes €283 Million to the State

A High-Profile Fraudster Back in French Custody

On July 17, 2025, Marco Mouly, a central figure in the infamous EU carbon tax fraud, was officially extradited from Italy to France and immediately incarcerated upon arrival at Paris–Charles de Gaulle airport.

Mouly, now 60 years old, had been wanted under an international arrest warrant since late 2024 after being convicted of fraudulent insolvency. His case is widely considered one of the most striking examples of fiscal fraud in modern French history.

The Carbon Credit VAT Fraud: “The Heist of the Century”

Between 2008 and 2009, Mouly participated in a massive VAT fraud scheme involving carbon emission quotas, exploiting a loophole in the European carbon trading system. The technique involved importing carbon credits VAT-free, selling them in France with VAT, and pocketing the tax rather than remitting it to the state.

The damage to the French Treasury alone was estimated at €283 million, part of a broader €1.6 billion loss across Europe.

In 2017, Mouly was sentenced on appeal to:

• 8 years in prison

• A €1 million fine

• The reimbursement of €283 million to the French government

Despite this, as of 2024, very little of that amount had been repaid.

Arrest and Extradition

After fleeing France and failing to appear in court, Mouly was apprehended in Rome on March 30, 2025. Italian authorities cooperated with French prosecutors, and his extradition was finalized in July. He is now serving time in France for his previous convictions, including the 2024 ruling for fraudulent concealment of assets.

A Serial Offender

Mouly’s criminal record extends beyond the carbon tax scandal. He has also been implicated in:

• Fraudulent insolvency (evading payment by concealing assets)

• Money laundering and abuse of company assets

• Attempted fraud related to book royalties and public appearances, sometimes under allegedly false identities

In total, he has been convicted in multiple cases and accused of using his public notoriety to mask ongoing financial misconduct.

Media Persona & Legal Repercussions

Nicknamed the “King of Scams” by French media, Mouly became a notorious figure, capitalizing on his infamy through interviews, social media, and even self-promotional books. Some critics argue that he leveraged his media image to delay or deflect legal accountability.

Despite his visibility, financial recovery remains elusive: the vast majority of the €283 million in damages owed to the state has not been recovered. Prosecutors allege that funds were hidden via offshore accounts and shell companies, making seizures particularly difficult.

At a Glance: The Mouly Case

Mouly’s legal team is expected to contest some of the ongoing financial claims and may seek sentence adjustments. However, authorities remain focused on asset recovery and are pursuing further investigations to trace hidden funds.

This extradition marks a turning point in one of France’s largest fiscal fraud cases. It may also signal a renewed commitment by French and European authorities to enforce high-profile financial crimes — regardless of the media persona surrounding the individual.