[bleuarff]

France has invested a lot of money into this company. And it was approved to become the official search engine on many state administration's computers, even after an audit revealed the terrible quality of their product. Things are a bit shady around Qwant, and this is ground for all kind of suspicions (not that I'm endorsing any).

[gabaix]

Neither 'diversion of public funds' (I believe you mean embezzlement) nor 'money laundering' would fit the description. This is more akin to 'poor use of public funds', which is also common in the US, and equally frown upon.

[eloisant]

I think the term he's looking for is Embezzlement of Public Funds indeed.

It's not just "poor use of public funds", but illegal use of public funds. For example when a public institution picks a supplier in an illegal manner (i.e. picking a friend instead of respecting the process for a public contract, or using public funds for personal benefits).

[coliveira]

You mean like when US government gives billions of dollars to bankrupt companies? Maybe the French are getting cues from Washington.

[natmaka]

'Embezzlement' seems harsh, 'crony capitalism' (collusion between a business class and the political class) is IMHO the cause here.

[GordonS]

That does not fit any definition of money laundering.

It sounds more like decisions are being made based on politics, presumably with an eye to the long-term improvement and viability of Qwant.