STORY: The trial of France's former spy chief Bernard Squarcini is to hear from LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault.

He's set to testify at a Paris court on Thursday (November 28).

Squarcini headed France's counter-intelligence services from 2008 to 2012.

And was later hired by LVMH as a security consultant.

During that time he allegedly illegally collected information on private individuals and violated privacy laws, while helping the company fight counterfeits.

While also monitoring left-wing activists planning to target the company with protests.

The case casts a light on the lengths to which the world's biggest luxury group has allegedly gone to protect its image.

Squarcini's lawyers did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Arnault is not accused of any wrongdoing in the trial.

A $10 million settlement in 2021 closed a criminal probe into LVMH's role in the case.

However the two-week trial has thrust the billionaire into the spotlight at a time when his luxury empire is already navigating a downturn.

Arnault's lawyer did not immediately respond to a request for comment.