A man was shot dead in the street in Haute-Corse; foul play is suspected.

A 41-year-old man was shot dead Thursday evening in Solaro, Upper Corsica. According to the Bastia prosecutor's office, the victim was targeted in front of the village's town hall annex. The man was known to police for acts of violence and drug trafficking.

An investigation for voluntary homicide and criminal conspiracy has been opened. The Corsican gendarmerie's research section is in charge of the investigation. A drug-related settling of scores is being considered.

A previously extensive criminal record

The victim, Hamdi Ben Rhouma, had recently appeared in court for traffic violations. In February, he was to answer charges of driving without insurance and hit-and-run. He had also launched a masonry business in Solaro in 2021.

Investigators will focus on uncovering possible criminal motives in an area where tensions surrounding drug trafficking remain particularly high.