Ex-French President Nicolas Sarkozy has been placed under formal investigation over alleged influence peddling.
He appeared before a judge in Paris late on Tuesday after 15 hours of questioning by anti-corruption police.
This is thought to be the first time a former French head of state has been held in police custody.
Mr Sarkozy's lawyer, Thierry Herzog, and senior prosecutor Gilbert Azibert were also placed under formal investigation over the allegations.
There was no word on the questioning of a second prosecutor, Patrick Sassoust, who had also been in custody.
The former president is expected to be interviewed about the case on French radio and TV
The allegation against Mr Sarkozy is that he sought insider information from a judge regarding an investigation into illegal campaign financing.
Mr Sarkozy denies any wrongdoing and is due to be interviewed live on French TV on Wednesday evening.
He has received support from several high-ranking party colleagues. Former PM Alain Juppe wrote on his Twitter feed: "I'm thinking in friendship of Nicolas Sarkozy: he is of course presumed innocent."
President Francois Hollande also stressed the presumption of innocence, his spokesman said.
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