- Paul Pogba’s brother sentenced for extortion scheme against him, with Mathias Pogba receiving a three-year prison sentence while Roushdane K. received eight years.
- The group was convicted of attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy.
- Paul Pogba claimed economic losses of €197,000 and moral damages of €50,000.
- Mathias Pogba plans to appeal his conviction.
- The case highlights issues of trust within families amidst financial pressures.
In a significant legal development, Mathias Pogba, the brother of renowned footballer Paul Pogba, was sentenced to three years in prison for his role in an extortion scheme targeting his sibling.
This case has drawn considerable media attention due to its implications not only for the Pogba family but also for the broader world of sports and celebrity.
The Paris criminal court’s decision highlights the serious nature of the charges and the lengths to which some individuals may go in pursuit of financial gain.
The extortion case against Mathias Pogba and five other accomplices dates back to March 2022, when Paul Pogba reported being threatened and held at gunpoint by hooded men. These individuals allegedly demanded an exorbitant sum of €13 million (approximately $13.6 million) from the French midfielder, claiming he owed them support after achieving fame in international football.
The group utilized intimidation tactics, asserting that Paul should have financially assisted them following his rise to stardom. This situation escalated into a criminal conspiracy that would ultimately lead to their trial and conviction.
Six men including the brother of France international Paul Pogba were sentenced to prison terms of between three and eight years on Thursday after being convicted of extortion attempts targeting the footballer, French media reported. pic.twitter.com/CAO7ZhYMYD
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 19, 2024
The trial commenced with Mathias Pogba facing charges of attempted extortion and criminal conspiracy alongside five other men. The court proceedings unfolded without Paul Pogba’s presence, as he opted not to attend.
During the trial, it was revealed that Mathias had already spent time in detention prior to sentencing. Ultimately, he received a three-year prison term, with two years suspended, allowing him to serve part of his sentence under house arrest with electronic monitoring.
Roushdane K., identified as the mastermind behind the extortion plot, received a more severe sentence of eight years in prison. The other accomplices were also handed varying prison terms ranging from four to eight years. This disparity in sentencing reflects the different roles each individual played in the conspiracy.
The court’s ruling not only addressed the criminal actions of Mathias and his associates but also acknowledged the financial impact on Paul Pogba. He was found to have suffered economic losses amounting to €197,000 (around $204,000) and moral damages estimated at €50,000 ($52,000). Consequently, the court ordered all defendants, except for Mathias, to collectively compensate Paul for these losses.
During the investigation, Paul revealed that he had previously paid €100,000 (approximately $104,000) to this organized group, which included his brother. This admission underscores the complex dynamics within families where financial pressures can lead to criminal behavior.
The legal outcomes have sparked various reactions within both the sporting community and public discourse. Mathias Pogba’s lawyer has indicated plans to appeal the ruling, suggesting that this case may not be entirely concluded. Furthermore, it raises questions about trust and loyalty within families, particularly when significant wealth is involved.
Paul Pogba’s situation is further complicated by his ongoing struggles with injuries and a recent doping ban that has overshadowed his illustrious career. As he navigates these challenges, the ramifications of this extortion case will likely linger in public discussions about athlete conduct and personal relationships.
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Last Updated on December 20, 2024 by 247 News Around The World
