France's ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy held for questioning in corruption probe

French police have detained former President Nicolas Sarkozy near Paris for questioning in an influence-peddling case. Authorities want to know if Sarkozy used his authority to get information on an inquiry into allegations that his successful 2007 presidential campaign had been bankrolled by former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, Reuters reports.

This is thought to be the first time a former head of state was held for questioning in modern French history, the BBC reports, and is one of six legal inquiries involving Sarkozy. His lawyer, Thierry Herzog, was questioned Monday, and this investigation is said to have started in February.

Investigators believe that Sarkozy and his lawyer used informants with connections to keep abreast of the Gadhafi case. Gilbert Azibert and Patrick Sassoust, two senior judges, are being questioned as well; authorities suspect that Sarkozy attempted to get Azibert a promotion to Monaco in exchange for details.

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