PIP investigation looks into Luxembourg shell companies

Investigators are expected to make inquiries into a number of shell companies set up in Luxembourg by the owner of a faulty breast implant firm.

Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) founder Jean-Claude Mas and his former companion, Dominique Lucciardi, are the subject of a Europe-wide investigation for allegedly selling low quality implants.

In France a separate judicial inquiry has been launched by two women in Toulon and Marseille, which is expected to lead investigators to Luxembourg.

According to AFP, the women who received faulty breast implants allege fraudulent bankruptcy, embezzlement, money laundering and corruption, all or partly facilitated through the use of a handful of Luxembourg-based shell companies.

Among the companies linked to the accusations are the website varmatin.com, Penny Holding SA, € Fortune SA, Milo Finance SA and SA Graham Turner.

All had roughly the same business addresses in the capital: Rue Jean Engling 2, 4 and 6 or Rue Siggy 43-45. The companies have since been dissolved.