The ex-Juventus and Manchester United star was the victim of an extortion scheme that his brother orchestrated
In the high-profile legal saga that has captivated the world of football, Mathias Pogba, brother of World Cup winner Paul Pogba, has been sentenced to three years in prison, with two years suspended, for his role in an extortion scheme targeting his sibling.
The ruling, delivered by a Paris court, also allows Mathias to serve his one-year custodial sentence under electronic monitoring rather than behind bars.
Mathias Pogba betrays brother in extortion scheme
The case began in March 2022 when Paul Pogba reported being kidnapped by armed, masked men who demanded €13 million for "protection services."
Investigations revealed a meticulously planned scheme involving five other individuals close to Paul. The group repeatedly intimidated and coerced him, claiming he had abandoned them after achieving fame.
Mathias Pogba, once a professional footballer himself, was accused of orchestrating the plan. He publicly alleged that Paul had used a witch doctor against Kylian Mbappe and abandoned his family, accusations Paul vehemently denied.
The court found Mathias guilty of organized extortion and attempted extortion, sentencing him alongside the other perpetrators, who received terms ranging from four to eight years in prison.
Schemers sentenced in extortion case
The defendants' sentences varied based on their roles in the crime. Among the group, Roushdane K. received the harshest punishment with an eight-year prison sentence.
Others like Machikour K. faced reduced penalties as the 36-year-old was found guilty of the charges of kidnapping and detention and sentenced to four years in prison, three of which were suspended.
Mamadou M was also found guilty of the same charges and sentenced to five years in prison, 12 months of which were suspended, alongside a ban on carrying a weapon for 10 years.
Boubacar C. received a sentence of four years in prison, two of which were suspended, while Mathias Pogba, who was found guilty of organised extortion and attempted extortion was sentenced to 3 years in prison, 2 of which were suspended.
The remainder of his sentence will be served in the form of home detention under electronic surveillance, while he was also fined €20,000. Mathias's lawyer has confirmed plans to appeal the decision, maintaining his client's innocence despite the conviction.
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