News update on 1855 – the frauds appear to continue!

Domaine de Chevalier, Pessac-Léognan 

Ordered: 1 bouteille Domaine de Chevalier 2007 – Pessac Léognan rouge : 39,95 € 

A very recent article in Que Choisir demonstrated clearly that the difficulties and frauds associated with 1855 continue even though the company is in administration. Through an intermediary Que Choisir placed an order for wine that should have been delivered within 24 hours – the wine was supposed to be in stock and available. However, a month later they were still waiting delivery of their wines. Impossible, of course, to contact anyone at 1855.

Hardly surprising as serial fraudsters Emeric Sauty de Chalon (Président du conseil d'administration) and Fabien Hyon (Directeur général) have been retained to run the company despite the very long litany of complaints and a host of legal actions against 1855! Friends in high places?  

Que choisir article:

'1855.com

La coupe est pleine

Que Choisir alerte régulièrement ses lecteurs sur les pratiques commerciales douteuses de 1855.com. Malgré plusieurs procédures en cours (dont une plainte déposée par l’UFC-Que Choisir), ce site de vente de vin en ligne est toujours en droit de poursuivre son activité. Actuellement en redressement judiciaire, la société est en période d’observation. Honore-t-elle pour autant ses commandes ? Pas vraiment.'

Curiously within ten hours of this article appearing on line three of the four wines ordered were delivered. I suspect if it wasn't for the article the person who had ordered the wines would still be waiting for them to be delivered. In any case 1855 – Hyon and and de Chalon – were only able to cobble together three of four wines ordered – all, of which, were supposed in stock. Arnaque toujours! 

The other news is that finally a preliminary investigation into the 1855 fraud has been set up. I don't hold up much hope that both Emeric Sauty de Chalon and Fabien Hyon will be brought to justice as I suspect they still have well-connected friends in high places providing them with protection. 

There is also an interesting interview here with Hélène Poulou, the Bordeaux lawyer who represents some 300 fleeced clients. Also here there are further reflections on the persuasive charm of fraudster Emeric Sauty de Chailon. 

http://www.boursier.com/actions/actualites/news/heracles-ex-1855-le-parquet-de-paris-ouvre-une-enquete-preliminaire-570729.html

http://patrimoine.lesechos.fr/patrimoine/art-collection/marche-art/0203405616733-vin-la-descente-aux-enfers-de-1855-660624.php

http://www.lesechos.fr/entreprises-secteurs/service-distribution/actu/0203377499212-1855-la-pyramide-de-ponzi-du-vin-657558.php