The story of incredible betrayal, resulting in one of the richest people in the world losing a fortune of $13 billion.
A recent investigation by Airmail shed light on a shocking story of how the heir to the legendary fashion house Hermès, Nicolas Puech, and other wealthy individuals lost their fortunes due to the machinations of financier Eric Freymond.
The beginning of this drama dates back to 1998, when Nicolas Puech, a direct descendant of Thierry Hermès in the fifth generation, fully entrusted the management of his numerous shares and extensive investments to Eric Freymond. Puech admitted that his family had unconditionally trusted this manager, which is why he did not delve into the details of what was happening with his immense wealth for many years: "It was done to simplify my life. He paid for everything that needed to be paid."
But in 2022, thunder struck: it turned out that Nicolas Puech's accounts, once prominent on the Forbes list, had almost no funds or securities left. The 83-year-old heir, who had no direct descendants, planned to reward his gardener by bequeathing him a share of his $13 billion fortune, but discovered that this was impossible.
Unmasking the Fraud
A deep investigation revealed a shocking truth: all these years, Eric Freymond had not managed his client's assets but systematically sold them off. And it turned out that Puech was far from being his only victim. Among the affected was Swiss actress Ursula Andress, who entrusted the financier with $25 million and ultimately lost all her savings.
Tragic Ending and Motives
Eric Freymond himself, realizing the inevitability of exposure, took his own life. After his death, curious details emerged: he always sought immense wealth and, for this purpose, married Caroline van Berchem, a representative of an influential Geneva family. Sources from the publication claim that it was the van Berchem family members who helped Freymond gain entry into the inner circle of the Hermès clan.
Five Percent That Changed Fate
It is worth recalling that in 2014, Nicolas Puech, under pressure from other family members, left the supervisory board of the fashion house Hermès, renowned worldwide for its exclusive leather goods, such as the iconic Birkin bags, which are coveted by millions of fashionistas. Puech categorically opposed the idea of the brand being acquired by the powerful LVMH group and decided to leave the company, retaining 5% of the shares. It was these shares that were subsequently sold off by Freymond.
