Before achieving global renown, Inspector Victor—whose real name was Victor Hautin—was a skilled but cantankerous and unpredictable detective within the Brigade mondaine. He treated police work almost like a hobby, operating with a highly eccentric style that occasionally drew public scrutiny and press criticism. According to a confidential note from M. Gautier, the Director of the Judicial Police, Victor was the son of a prosecutor from Toulouse and had spent a significant portion of his earlier life in the colonies. His career in colonial administration was marred by personal scandals involving the seduction of wives and daughters, which ultimately barred him from higher administrative positions despite his competence in handling delicate and perilous missions. After inheriting a substantial fortune, a matured Victor sought to occupy his leisure time by joining the police force, where he became highly valued by his superiors for his discretion, lack of personal ambition, and effectiveness, despite his stubborn and independent nature.
Initially, Victor's reputation remained confined to a narrow circle of colleagues and superiors. His true rise to prominence occurred only when he was pitted against the extraordinary and formidable master thief, Arsène Lupin. This confrontation centered around a dark and complex case involving the theft of National Defense Bonds and the double murder of Father Lescot and Élise Masson. The formidable nature of his opponent seemed to elevate the old inspector’s existing skills to their absolute peak. Victor engaged in a relentless, bitter, and fierce struggle against Lupin, moving from the shadows into the public eye. Ultimately, the investigation culminated in an unexpected and dramatic twist that simultaneously enhanced Lupin’s legendary prestige and immortalized Victor's name across the world.