Prosecutors in France have launched an investigation into claims of illegal campaign funding for President Nicolas Sarkozy. <br/><br/>The move follows allegations by a former accountant for France's richest woman, Liliane Bettencourt. <br/><br/>The accountant reportedly told police she was involved in channelling 150,000 euros to Mr. Sarkozy's presidential campaign in 2007.Mr Sarkozy dismissed claims surrounding the case as a smear. <br/><br/>Mr. Sarkozy has been facing growing pressure over the affair, which is linked to a trial over the 87-year-old Mrs. Bettencourt's estimated 17 billion euro fortune that opened briefly last week before being adjourned.