Mathias Pogba, the brother of French football star Paul Pogba, will soon stand trial for his alleged role in a major kidnap and extortion case. This follows an extensive two-year investigation that started in 2022.
Case Overview
French judges have ordered six men, including Mathias Pogba, to face trial for kidnapping and extortion. The charges stem from an incident on March 19, 2022. Prosecutors claim that five people close to Paul Pogba organized a meeting in the Paris suburbs. During this meeting, two men abducted Pogba and demanded a ransom of 13 million euros (about $14 million).
Even though Mathias Pogba, a former football striker, did not participate in the kidnapping, prosecutors accuse him of pressuring his brother to pay the ransom afterward.
Accusations and Responses
The accused, including Mathias Pogba, deny all charges. They assert that they were victims of armed robbers and were assaulted after Paul Pogba refused to pay the ransom. Despite these defenses, prosecutors recommend charging three childhood friends and two former acquaintances from Pogba’s hometown with extortion, illegal restraint, and criminal conspiracy.
Paul Pogba’s Statement
Paul Pogba, who currently plays for Juventus and the French national team, is serving a four-year doping ban. He reported the extortion scheme to Italian authorities, alleging that he was targeted for a multimillion-euro blackmail plot. Pogba claimed that his extortionists threatened to damage his reputation by accusing him of consulting a “marabout” (a witch doctor) to cast a spell on Kylian Mbappe. He firmly denies these allegations.
Investigation and Social Media Controversies
French authorities launched the investigation in September 2022, involving the anti-gang and central crime units. During the probe, Paul Pogba admitted to initially assisting the group but later refused to pay seven million euros to three suspects in September 2021. Following this, he distanced himself from them.
In late September 2022, Mathias Pogba posted videos on social media, accusing Paul Pogba of abandoning their family. These videos followed an earlier release where Mathias had promised major revelations about his brother in multiple languages.
Mathias Pogba claimed he feared for his safety and his family’s. He said that other suspects manipulated him and expressed hope that the truth would come out.
What Lies Ahead
As the trial approaches, it is set to attract significant attention due to its high-profile nature. The case will reveal the complexities and pressures faced by athletes and show how the legal system handles such high-stakes issues.
Conclusion
The trial of Mathias Pogba will capture widespread public and media interest. It highlights the intense personal and financial pressures in the world of sports and demonstrates how the legal system addresses major disputes. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
