Renault scandal-mystification continuing

While none of the individuals were charged with any crime, reports emerged that they were suspected of stealing secrets tied to the French car company's electric vehicle program and selling them to parties overseas. Reports even pointed toward Chinese automakers as being the largest buyers of those corporate secrets.

That news pressed the French government to look into the Chinese connection, which rose more than a few eyebrows in the People's Republic.

The whole conspiracy hinged on the existence of clandestine bank accounts in Switzerland and Lichtenstein which the corporate thieves could have used to stash their illegal obtained assets. According to The Guardian, those accounts don't exist.

The accused executives have since set about suing Renault for the accusations, and with no hard evidence to support the claims; it looks as if someone simply pulled a sophisticated mystification on the company. At this point, it's unclear who orchestrated the stunt or the motive behind it.