ISTANBUL

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was found guilty on Monday of embezzling public funds, according to media reports.

Marine Le Pen and eight other members of the European Parliament (MEPs) were found guilty of embezzling public funds as they are accused of having misused more than €3 million ($3.27 million) in European Parliament funds to pay party staff in France.

The twelve assistants tried alongside the MEPs were also found guilty of receiving stolen goods, according to BFMTV.

The total loss is around €4.1 million ($4.4 million).

The conviction might result in a five-year ban from public office for Le Pen.