In a dramatic conclusion to a high-profile extortion case, a Paris court sentenced Mathias Pogba, the brother of French football star Paul Pogba, to a three-year prison term on Thursday. With two years of the sentence suspended, Mathias Pogba will serve the remaining year under electronic surveillance rather than in prison.
Mathias Pogba was found guilty of attempting to extort €13 million from his younger brother in 2022. He was also fined €20,000 for exerting pressure on Paul Pogba, his family, and business associates to secure the payment.
The case, which sent shockwaves through French football, also saw five other men convicted on charges of extortion, kidnapping, and criminal association. Sentences for the group ranged up to eight years, with fines between €20,000 and €40,000. Roushdane K., identified as the ringleader and the only defendant in custody during the trial, received the longest sentence of eight years.
Mathias Pogba’s lawyer, Mbeko Tabula, called the court’s decision “extremely harsh” and announced plans to appeal, claiming his client was coerced and manipulated. “He has always maintained his innocence,” Tabula stated.
The incident dates back to March 2022 when Paul Pogba reported being ambushed by childhood friends in Paris, held at gunpoint by masked men with assault rifles, and threatened unless he paid €13 million for alleged “services rendered.” Pogba ultimately paid €100,000 to appease his captors.
This case drew intense public attention, not only for its dramatic details but because the accused included people once close to the footballer, including his own brother.