Mathias Pogba, the older brother of French footballer Paul Pogba, has been sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his role in a high-profile extortion plot targeting his younger sibling. Video below
The 35-year-old will serve one year of his sentence under house arrest with an electronic bracelet, as the court ruled on Thursday, December 19, in Paris.
In addition to the prison sentence, Mathias was fined €20,000 for participating in the attempted extortion of €13 million from his famous brother.
The court found that he had pressured Paul Pogba, along with his family and business associates, to pay the large sum, which stemmed from a scheme involving kidnapping and threats.
The case shocked the French football world, as it not only involved Mathias but also three of the Pogba brothers’ childhood friends, who were linked to the criminal group.
These associates faced sentences ranging from five to eight years for their roles in the extortion, kidnapping, and participation in a criminal organization.
Fines ranging from €20,000 to €40,000 were also imposed.
Roushdane K., considered the mastermind of the plot and the only one of the accused still in custody, was handed an eight-year prison sentence.
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The case revealed disturbing details about the alleged tactics used to coerce Paul Pogba into paying the extortionists, including being held at gunpoint by armed men demanding money for services they claimed to have provided him.
Mathias Pogba’s lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, expressed shock over the verdict and indicated that an appeal would be filed.
“From the outset, he has maintained his innocence,” Tabula said, arguing that Mathias was manipulated and coerced into participating in the scheme.
In August 2022, Mathias posted a video on social media claiming to have explosive revelations about Paul, further intensifying the media frenzy surrounding the case.
Paul Pogba later told investigators that his childhood friends had tricked him into the situation, even going as far as to hold him at gunpoint and demanding €13 million, claiming it was money he owed them for “services rendered.”
The footballer confirmed that he had only paid €100,000 at that time.
The case continues to send shockwaves through the world of football, particularly as the people involved were close to Paul Pogba both personally and professionally.