Individual claims no connection to kidnapping

The individual was in Nîmes on the evening of the incident but claims no connection to the kidnapping and detention of businessman Vincent Bastide, who was kidnapped as he left his company and forcibly taken to his home one November evening in 2025.

Phone location and denial of presence

Although his phone was located near the locations where the incident occurred, he says he was there looking for a car to buy. Regarding two video surveillance images submitted to the proceedings, images filmed near the criminal journey, he does not recognize himself in them.

Authorities doubt his account

Investigators from the Gendarmerie of the Gard and the investigating judge do not believe his account, as this man has been in provisional detention since his arrest in February 2026. He is under investigation along with several accomplices for "armed robbery in a gang", "kidnapping and abduction in a gang".

Evidence found at suspect's home

During the arrest of the suspect, the gendarmes seized from his home a weapon, ammunition, and 29,000 euros in cash, even though he was not employed. "For a year I worked without being declared and I slept in my car," the person under investigation tries to convince in an attempt to support his request for release.

Criminal record and clothing match

Despite his denials, troubling elements were found at his home by the gendarmes of the Research Section and the Gard group. At his home, a complete set of clothing that matches that of Vincent Bastide's attacker. Already known with five other convictions.

Background and current legal status

A suspect who is known for five other convictions on his criminal record, including aggravated thefts and armed thefts, which resulted in his conviction by the juvenile court to 10 years in prison and a ban from the Gard. The twenty-year-old was released from detention in 2023 and is presenting, at the hearing of the Nîmes Court of Appeal where he is requesting judicial control in the Bastide case, a promise of employment as a bartender in a bar in Sète.

Judicial control rejected

A judicial control that was rejected by the instruction chamber which followed the requests of the public prosecutor's office. The suspect remains in provisional detention.