A brother of a World Cup-winning footballer has been sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, by a Paris criminal court in connection with an extortion and kidnapping case. The sentencing comes after a high-profile investigation involving allegations of criminal conspiracy and attempted extortion.
The convicted individual, who has already spent time in detention, will serve the remainder of the sentence under house arrest with electronic monitoring. This outcome aligns with the prosecution’s request. His legal representative indicated plans to appeal the ruling, expressing that the accused is in a state of shock. According to the lawyer, the court failed to consider claims that the defendant was manipulated and coerced into actions beyond his control.
The case stems from an incident in 2022 when the footballer was reportedly targeted by a group that included his brother and several childhood acquaintances. These individuals were accused of attempting to extort €13 million from the player, who was held at gunpoint by hooded men in March of that year. The group allegedly pressured him, claiming he owed them financial support due to his success as an international football star. Charges against the group included extortion, abduction, and criminal conspiracy.
The court found the main conspirator guilty of masterminding the extortion plot, sentencing him to eight years in prison. Other members of the group also received varying jail terms. Legal documents revealed that the footballer suffered economic losses amounting to €197,000 and moral damages of €50,000. The court ordered all defendants, except the brother, to jointly compensate the victim for these losses.
During the investigation, the footballer disclosed that he had paid €100,000 to the group in an attempt to mitigate the threats. The situation escalated when his brother posted menacing messages on social media, threatening to reveal damaging information about him, another prominent footballer, and his agent. The posts drew significant public attention, further complicating the case.
The brother, who also pursued a career in football with lower-tier teams in Europe, faced trial alongside five others. The proceedings highlighted a disturbing pattern of intimidation and coercion, with the defendants accused of exploiting their relationship with the victim to gain financial benefits.
The case has had far-reaching implications for the footballer, who experienced personal and professional setbacks. In addition to the extortion ordeal, he faced suspension from his club following a failed drug test. Although the ban was later reduced, his contract with the club was mutually terminated, leaving him free to resume his career in the coming months.
This high-profile case underscores the challenges that can accompany fame and success, particularly when personal relationships are exploited. The footballer’s decision to cooperate with authorities and disclose the extent of the threats he faced has been pivotal in bringing the perpetrators to justice. However, the ordeal has undoubtedly left a lasting impact, both emotionally and financially.
The court’s ruling marks the culmination of a complex legal process, shedding light on the darker side of professional sports and the vulnerabilities of those in the public eye. As the convicted individuals face the consequences of their actions, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of misplaced trust and the lengths to which some may go to exploit others for personal gain.
