French footballer Paul Pogba’s alleged kidnapping and extortion case has taken a significant turn with the indictment of six individuals, including his brother Mathias Pogba. The trial, scheduled to commence soon, stems from a two-year investigation into the high-profile incident that unfolded in 2022.
According to Paris prosecutors, five individuals close to Pogba meticulously planned a meeting in the Paris suburbs on March 19, 2022. The meeting culminated in Pogba’s kidnapping by two unidentified men who demanded a staggering 13 million euros ($14 million).
Mathias Pogba, a former striker himself, was not present at the meeting but is accused of pressuring his younger brother to pay the ransom. Prosecutors allege that Mathias Pogba acted with the same determination as the other suspects in extorting money from Paul Pogba.
All six defendants have denied their involvement, claiming they were victims of armed robbers and were assaulted after Paul Pogba refused to pay. However, prosecutors have charged the three childhood friends and two former acquaintances who were present on the night with extortion, illegal restraint, and criminal conspiracy.
The investigation was initiated after Paul Pogba filed a complaint with Italian prosecutors, alleging that he was the target of a multi-million-euro blackmail plot. Pogba claimed that his blackmailers threatened to discredit him by falsely accusing him of using a witch doctor to cast a spell on fellow French star Kylian Mbappe.
French prosecutors launched a joint investigation in September 2022, involving the anti-gang and central crime units of the French police. During the investigation, Paul Pogba admitted to providing financial assistance to members of the group but later refused to pay seven million euros to three of them in September 2021.
In late September 2022, Mathias Pogba posted a series of incriminating videos on social media, accusing his brother of abandoning their family. The videos followed an earlier video in which Mathias Pogba promised to reveal “great revelations” about his brother.
During the investigation, Mathias Pogba expressed fear for his safety and that of his family, claiming he had been manipulated by the other suspects. He expressed hope for reconciliation with his younger brother.
The trial is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping and extortion, as well as the involvement of the six defendants. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the reputation and career of Paul Pogba, one of the most renowned footballers in the world.
