Chirac investigated on embezzlement claims

PARIS, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Former French President Jacques Chirac was placed under formal investigation Friday over alleged embezzlement while he was Paris mayor, officials said.

Chirac allegedly established a scheme in which members of his political party, Rally for the Republic, were paid for jobs they did not do, Radio France Internationale reported Friday.

Chirac's office said in a statement the investigation would show "he can be faulted for nothing."

Investigating judge Jacques Gazeaux's ruling provides investigators time to decide whether to send a suspect to trial or drop the case, the French broadcaster said.

In October, another investigating magistrate ordered Chirac to be tried on corruption charges, Radio France Internationale said.