Jean-Claude Pautot, a French actor, comic book writer and illustrator known in the country for his criminal past, was arrested by Spanish authorities on a yacht carrying 740 kilograms of cocaine from the Azores.
The arrest of the French actor, who was taken to Cadiz, Spain, took place on December 27 “150 nautical miles” from the Portuguese archipelago, but his identity was revealed only this Sunday by the weekly magazine “Le”. Journal du Dimanche”, which cites Spanish sources linked to the investigation.
The operation by authorities from both countries led to the arrest of nine French, Spanish and Moroccan nationals. According to the French weekly, the yacht, with links to Venezuela, left Martinique in the French Antilles, although arrests also took place in France, where another 390 kilograms of cocaine were seized.
He indulged in painting, comics and cinema
Jean-Claude Pautot, 66, has a criminal past with multiple convictions for bank robberies and assaults. He spent 15 years on the run and 25 years in prison.
After release, he devoted himself to painting, comics and cinema. His most recent and relevant appearance, in fact, was in May 2022, at the Cannes Film Festival in France, with the ensemble of Louis Carrel’s comedy “Oh Innocent,” where he played an ex-convict.
In an interview with “Le Parisien” in November, precisely on the occasion of the film’s release, the actor revealed that one of his goals was to “be good, be healthy, be calm.” “It’s normal for people, I’m tasting at 66,” he said.
“Hardcore explorer. Extreme communicator. Professional writer. General music practitioner. Prone to fits of apathy.”