Kidnapping Plot Targets Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé Named Among Targets in French Gang Kidnapping and Extortion Plot
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Key Points
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Two mobile phones seized from Clement L. and his associates reportedly contained a list of 26 potential targets, with Kylian Mbappé named among them.
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Court filings and reporting note Clement L. has a criminal history, including pimping and armed robbery, with other accounts citing drug-related convictions and a violent robbery conviction.
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Investigators say the alleged operation was directed from inside Villepinte prison, with Clement L. using Snapchat to issue instructions under the alias 'Lester Z.'
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Authorities linked the case to an April attack on a Neuilly-sur-Seine watchmaker, a development that aided tracing the broader kidnapping plot.
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French media reports indicate the group aimed to extort large sums from 26 targets, including footballers, rappers and prominent businessmen, with potential extortion proceeds estimated in the millions of euros.
Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé was named among 26 potential kidnapping targets in an alleged criminal plot uncovered by French investigators, Le Parisien reported. An 18-year-old identified as Clement L., who used the alias 'Lester Z,' was arrested in Nanterre and charged with organized gang robbery after phones seized from him contained a target list that also included wealthy business figures and rap personalities.
The alleged gang operated between April and August across multiple French towns, with investigators believing the operation was directed from inside Villepinte prison using Snapchat messaging. Clement L. remains in solitary confinement while denying he was the mastermind, claiming another leader sent the instructions.
How the Kidnapping Ring Was Exposed
Authorities linked the case to an April attack on a Neuilly-sur-Seine watchmaker, a crucial break that helped trace the broader criminal network. BeIN Sports reported that investigators discovered two mobile phones containing the list of 26 high-profile targets during arrests and raids. The phones revealed plans to extort millions of euros from footballers, businessmen, and entertainment figures across France.
Police say the gang carried out home invasions and robberies between April 11 and August 19. The crimes spanned multiple towns as the group tested methods for targeting wealthy individuals. Each phone seizure brought investigators closer to mapping the full scope of the alleged operation.
Prison Controller Ran Gang Via Snapchat
Clement L. allegedly orchestrated the entire criminal network from his prison cell using encrypted messaging on Snapchat, IBTimes reported. The teenager used his online alias 'Lester Z' to issue instructions to gang members on the street. Court documents show he has prior convictions, including armed robbery and pimping charges, though accounts vary on exact details of his criminal history.
An accomplice was released under judicial supervision, though authorities have challenged that decision. Clement L. continues to deny being the mastermind, insisting another leader sent him orders. The investigation is still ongoing as prosecutors work to determine the full extent of the planned crimes.
Mbappé Part of Massive Extortion Target List
The 26 names on the seized phones represented a major moneymaking scheme for the alleged gang. El Botola confirmed the list included professional footballers, rappers, and prominent businessmen across France. Investigators believe the group aimed to kidnap targets and demand large ransoms—potentially worth millions of euros combined.
Mbappé's inclusion on the list suggests he was viewed as a high-value target due to his status as a global superstar and Real Madrid player. The arrest of Clement L. and ongoing investigations have significantly disrupted the gang's operations. French authorities say the case highlights growing kidnapping threats against wealthy and famous individuals in the country.
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