Former French president Nicolas, 63, who held power from 2007 to 2012, is formally suspected of accepting illicit Libyan funding for his 2007 election campaign.
At issue is a murky affair of Libyan spies, arms dealers and allegations that late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi provided Mr Sarkozy's 2007 presidential campaign with 50 million euros (AU$80m).
Formal charges have been laid this week against the ex-French leader, which include illegal funding of a political campaign, passive corruption and receiving money from Libyan embezzlement.
It could see Mr Sarkozy face up to 10 years in prison. Mr Sarkozy has repeatedly denied the allegations, first made in 2011 by Muammar Gaddafi's son.
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