March 27, 2012 (Brussels, Belgium) – Eddy Merckx, a five-time former TdF champion who owns Eddy Merckx Cycles, has been accused of corruption reports the Belgian daily Dernière Heure. The daily also reports that the charges, presented by examining magistrate Jean-Claude Van Espen, were supposed to have been brought forward late last year, but were delayed so that Merckx could receive the prestigious Légion d’honneur
decoration from French president, Nicolas Sarkozy on December 15.

The charges relate to a tender in 2006-2007 of 48 bicycles destined for the Anderlecht police bicycle brigade. Merckx is suspected of having received advance knowledge of the tender, as well as confidential information about competing bids.

Merckx is also suspected of having sold police superintendent Philippe Boucar a carbon frame bicycle at a greatly discounted price to thank him for having provided this confidential information.

An investigation into the affair is also looking into why the bicycles apparently gathered dust in a police garage after their purchase. Besides Merckx and Boucar, five other people have been accused in this dossier.

Dernière Heure article (in French) HERE.