VIDEO. Babolex, an 800,000 euro scam? The recap of our investigation into Vincent Faudemer

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On the social network Instagram, he presents himself as the best-selling French artist in the world in 2021. From anonymous mattress seller to “ little prince of contemporary art » making the front pages of specialist magazines, Vincent Faudemer experienced a meteoric rise.

The 38-year-old man, originally from Caen (Calvados), became known from 2018 by creating Babolex : a chrome elephant statue inspired by Babar®, equipped with a Rolex® brand watch. He then developed this concept into a multitude of projects: collectible cards, digital works of art (NFT), video games, etc.

But today, the thirty-year-old is mainly talked about in the legal chronicle. He is in the sights of at least five complaints for scam. According to the Collective for Assistance to Victims of Influencers (AVI) which supports these procedures, more than 300 customers feel wronged. Their cumulative damages would exceed the 800 000 euros. Fraud enforcement is investigating.

• Our video investigation:

How did we get there? Here is the incredible story of Vincent Faudemer and his Babolex. An investigation in three episodes, which focuses in particular on the family Kardashianfrom the rapper Snoop Dogg or even the footballer Djibril Cisse. Access to the articles below is reserved for subscribers ofactu.fr.

• Chapter 1: how Vincent Faudemer fooled the journalists. Press articles, radio broadcasts, TV… The Caen artist talked about his Babolex almost everywhere at the end of the 2010s, recounting having won over stars from all over the world with his sculptures. But this success story is romanticized, if not completely bogus.
• Chapter 2: “little prince” or “Pinocchio” of contemporary art? Thanks to his new notoriety and by making his art accessible to all, the man with Babolex has attracted a large clientele. Some have spent thousands of euros, lured by tempting promises which have, for the most part, not been kept to date.
• Chapter 3: artist or businessman of the scam? Its service providers testify. To design, draw and manufacture his works, Vincent Faudemer called upon a myriad of collaborators. Many believe they have been cheated. They opened up about it for the first time in the press.

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