ABSTRACT

Mr Paul Crémieux, the applicant, was chairman and managing director of a wholesale wine firm. In October 1976 in the course of an investigation into the company, customs officers seized documents relating to business transactions. Between 27 January 1977 to 26 February 1980, the customs authorities under the Customs Code carried out eighty-three investigative operations in the form of interviews and of raids on the company head office, on the applicant’s home and at other addresses of his and on the homes of other people, during which further items were seized. In November 1982 the applicant was charged with offences against the legislation and regulations governing financial dealings with foreign countries. Following an agreement customs agreed to compound with those charged and the judge issued a discharge order on 16 June 1987. The applicant’s subsequent appeal proceedings to have the reports and seizures declared null and void were dismissed. Comm found by majority (11-7) NV 8, unanimously NV 6(3) or 10.