Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé was reportedly among 26 high-profile individuals targeted in an alleged kidnapping plot uncovered by French authorities.
The suspected plot allegedly involved a list of wealthy and prominent figures, including footballers, rappers, businessmen and jewellers.
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the scheme was allegedly coordinated by an 18-year-old identified as Clément L.
The teenager was already in pre-trial detention over allegations of pimping and organised robbery. He had also reportedly been sentenced to prison for armed robbery after being identified as one of two suspects involved in an attack on a watchmaker in Paris.
Authorities later discovered that Clément L allegedly continued directing activities from his prison cell using two mobile phones and the Snapchat alias “Lester Z.”
A source close to the investigation told Le Parisien that prison authorities discovered the addresses of 26 wealthy individuals on the seized phones, with Mbappé reportedly among those listed.
Other potential targets allegedly included a Chinese businessman, jewellers and a Turkish meat trader.
“Two phones were seized by prison guards, and their contents were highly revealing,” the source said.
“He also wanted to go after a rapper and the footballer Kylian Mbappé.”
However, during questioning, the teenager reportedly denied being the mastermind behind the alleged plot. He also requested to be released from solitary confinement.
The investigation into the alleged kidnapping scheme is ongoing.
