Vinci says it "totally refutes" the charge and will file a counter-suit against the group, Sherpa, for libel.
Sherpa's complaint, if acted upon by French prosecutors, could pressure Qatar and companies engaged there to improve conditions for guest workers.
Sherpa says the suit, lodged Monday, targets Vinci's construction wing and French managers of its Qatari subsidiary and accuses them of driving workers into forced labor and bondage.
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