On Tuesday, September 10, French judges ordered six men, including Paul Pogba’s brother Mathias, to stand trial in connection with a high-profile kidnapping and extortion case involving the French footballer.
The trial follows a two-year investigation into the alleged abduction and extortion of Pogba, a former Manchester United midfielder. The case emerged in 2022, involving a dramatic incident that took place on March 19, 2022, when Pogba was allegedly kidnapped by two unidentified men in the Paris suburbs. The men reportedly demanded 13 million euros ($14 million) from him.
Mathias Pogba, a former striker, was not present during the kidnapping but is accused of pressuring his brother to hand over the money afterward. All accused have denied the charges, claiming they were victims of armed robbery and assault after Pogba refused to pay.
Prosecutors have called for the trial of three childhood friends and two former acquaintances from Pogba’s hometown in eastern Paris, who were present on the night of the incident, on charges of extortion, illegal restraint, and criminal conspiracy.
Paul Pogba reported the blackmail attempt to Italian prosecutors, alleging that his extortionists threatened to discredit him by falsely claiming he had sought the help of a witch doctor to cast a spell on fellow French star Kylian Mbappe.
French prosecutors launched their investigation in September 2022, which was conducted jointly by the anti-gang and central crime units.
French prosecutors launched their investigation in September 2022, which was conducted jointly by the anti-gang and central crime units.
During the investigation, Pogba admitted to having “voluntarily” assisted the group but later refused to pay seven million euros to three members in September 2021, leading him to distance himself from them.
In late September 2022, Mathias Pogba posted videos on social media accusing his brother of abandoning his family and making incriminating claims. These videos followed a prior series in multiple languages promising major revelations about Paul Pogba.
Mathias Pogba has claimed that he was manipulated by the other suspects and expressed hopes of reconciling with his brother.
