France’s National Financial Prosecutor’s (PNF) office told OCCRP this week that the request was part of a complaint that was opened in 2008. Additionally, it said it had requested the indictment of BNP Paribas for alleged “aggravated laundering of proceeds from corruption and the embezzlement of public funds.” When contacted by OCCRP, the media relations office of BNP Paribas stated: "We contest any criminal liability of BNP Paribas in this case. Tchibota’s lawyer Jean-Marie Viala told OCCRP that she would not comment, as the matter currently involved only a formal request for referral to trial. Lawyers representing Bongo family members have reportedly denounced the proceedings as politically motivated attempts to confiscate assets.