Squatteurs, la tentation de se faire justice - reportage intégral

Having your home squatted after renovations, a move, or a vacation is every homeowner's nightmare. There are reportedly nearly 7,000 squatted properties in France. Legally, a squatter is anyone who occupies a property without legal right or title. Since 2023, the new anti-squatting law has been supposed to strengthen the legal framework and promises evictions within 72 hours, but in reality, is the law truly enforced? Faced with months, even years, of waiting, some dispossessed individuals turn away from the legal system and are tempted to take matters into their own hands. To resolve their problems, they call upon groups specializing in clandestine evictions. One of these gangs agreed to share their methods, providing evidence. These illegal practices can backfire on those who commission them. Like Karine, 55. She paid 5,000 euros to thugs to evict the squatter occupying her deceased father's house. She is now facing charges of aggravated assault. The squatter is still living there. Marie-Noëlle, meanwhile, is taking legal action against her tenant who hasn't paid rent for months. She has had to take out a second job and a loan to pay off the debts. Taking advantage of loopholes in this system, a parallel market has developed and is now booming: the sale of squatted properties, sometimes acquired for half price. A report by Lisa Beauval, Samir Benguennouna, and Alexandra Diaz / Particules docs. Guest: Pascale Paillard, former owner of a squatted house. Report broadcast on Thursday, April 23, 2026. ❤ To subscribe: https://bit.ly/ES-abonnement 🔔 Turn on notifications so you don't miss any videos! Find us also on: ▶ Replay: https://bit.ly/ES-220126 👤 Facebook:   / envoyespecial.france2   📷 Instagram:   / envoyespecial   🐦 Twitter:   / envoyespecial   🎶 TikTok:   / envoyespecial.tv