The former agent was charged with “criminal conspiracy” and “possession of explosives” last year, following an attempt on Mr Mbahou’s life in 2015.

Speaking to Euronews, Mr Forestier’s lawyer, Cedric Huissoud, said his client had “firmly contested” the charges against him and accusations of his involvement in the plot were unfounded.

This connection has however led to speculation his apparent execution may be linked to the failed assassination attempt and detectives reportedly believe the killing may have been a revenge attack.

“It’s hard to believe that this murder bore no connection with his implication in the Mbahou affair,” an anonymous source close to the investigation told French news agency AFP.

However, another unnamed investigator told Le Parisien links to “parallel activities in Russia and Asia” were also being probed.

Mr Mbahou served as director of security to then-Congolese president Pascal Lissouba until 1997, when both were ousted by forces loyal to socialist leader Denis Sassou Nguesso. 

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