Damien Castelain is president of the European Metropolis of Lille (Mel) He is accused of misappropriation of public property, illegal taking of interests and concealment on the sidelines of the construction of the Grand Stade. The elected official is also on trial for a case launched by the investigative site Médiacités in 2018: expense reports which would have been used to pay for perfumes and luxury hotels.
The prosecution had opened a preliminary investigation for embezzlement of public funds and receiving stolen goods.