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A prison sentence required to punish a “violent action” AND “continuous pressure”. On Wednesday 4 December, on the sixth day of the trial for extortion, kidnapping, kidnapping and criminal conspiracy brought by the former midfielder of the French football team Paul pogba, the prosecution asked for severe prison sentences against the six defendants, all relatives of the same actor , who grew up with him in the Renardière neighborhood, in Roissy-en-Brie (Seine-et-Marne).They are accused in particular of having organized a robbery against the footballer, on the night between 19 and 20 March 2022, to extort thirteen million euros from him. The older brother of 2018 World Cup winner Mathias Pogba,who is also implicated in this case but is being prosecuted for less serious offences,is also the subject of a prison order.
In court, the two prosecutors observed the “precautions” adopted by the defendants (such as communicating via Signal’s secure messaging or deleting certain messages) and the “extremely sustained trade” with each other first “violent assault” from March 19th. Proof, according to the prosecution, of the premeditated nature of the attack suffered by the footballer, suspended for doping from September 2023. “On the morning of march 19th everything is ready, everything has been carefully prepared […]. The versions of the accused [selon lesquels ils sont eux-mêmes victimes du braquage] don’t hold back. Since they carefully prepared the kidnapping, they are also the actors.”they declared.
“Mathias is not passive”
Among the defendants, the heaviest charge is requested against Roushdane K.,39 years old: eight years in prison. Considered as the “big brother” from the Renardière district, is the only one to appear in preventive custody, behind his glass box, and also the one with the heaviest criminal record (he already has convictions for attempted murder and complicity in kidnapping).According to the Prosecutor’s office, yes “the conductor” of the blackmail exercised against Paul Pogba. As regards Adama C., Boubacar C., Machikour K.and Mamadou M.,the other defendants,the public prosecutor requested sentences of five years’ imprisonment,accompanied respectively by suspended sentences of one year,two years,three years and ten to eight months. He did not bring the kidnapping charge against any of the defendants, believing that it was unfounded.
Against Mathias Pogba, absent on the evening of 19 March 2022 and thus not in the prosecution’s sights for kidnapping and kidnapping, the prosecution requested three years of imprisonment, of which two were suspended, and the possibility of a sentence adjustment for last year. The 34-year-old man, himself a former professional player, only enters the case in July 2022, accused of various “pressures” direct and indirect exercised on the younger brother.
“The criminal project is already built when Mathias Pogba joins it. His place is special, he is part of the extortion plan without his knowlege at first. However, he knew that the group’s objective was to take away the thirteen million euros from Paul, that ther was a desire to do harm. Mathias is not passive, he takes initiatives”prosecutors argued. The day before, the person concerned had admitted during interrogation that he had committed a crime “a million mistakes” that he “regret” now, starting with these threatening videos against his brother published on social networks in August 2022.
“Visceral Shock”
Carine Piccio, Paul Pogba’s lawyer, described for her part, on Tuesday evening, “a chain of tragic events” powered by “feelings of envy, frustration and resentment” defendants.“The goose that lays the golden eggs no longer lays”he summarized, referring to the interruption of the financial support that the footballer’s childhood friends had long enjoyed. The lawyer observed the “trauma” and the “visceral shock” instantly from his client: “that the people closest to him are the face of this story scares him. [Après la soirée du 19 mars 2022]will enter survival mode. What will predominate for him will be psychological pressure. He was betrayed.
Below this “moral damage”he asked for a sum of 50,000 euros. He also requested almost 200,000 euros for various causes “Don” and purchases made into Paul Pogba’s account after the events, against all defendants except Mathias Pogba, who is established to have received no money from his brother during this period. The trial will end on Thursday with the defense lawyers’ final arguments.
What are the legal implications of family members being involved in a criminal conspiracy?
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon,adn thank you for joining us today to discuss the ongoing trial of Paul Pogba and the serious allegations against several of his relatives. With me is Dr. Olivia Moreau, a legal expert specializing in criminal law and high-profile cases. Dr.Moreau, can you provide us with some context about the situation surrounding Paul Pogba and the charges being brought against his family members?
Dr. Olivia Moreau: Good afternoon, thank you for having me. The case against Paul Pogba is particularly striking not only as of the celebrity status of the individuals involved but also due to the serious nature of the charges—extortion, kidnapping, and criminal conspiracy. the prosecution has described a premeditated attack where Pogba was allegedly targeted for a significant sum—a staggering thirteen million euros—by those who were meant to be close to him,including his own brother.
Time.news Editor: It sounds incredibly dramatic. What led to this situation, and how significant is the involvement of family members in these kinds of cases?
Dr.Olivia moreau: the dynamics of this case are complex. Family ties can often complicate legal matters, and in this instance, it seems to have led to a severe breach of trust. The prosecution has highlighted that the defendants took various precautions to avoid detection, including using encrypted messaging and deleting communications.This suggests a level of organization and intent behind their actions, which could strengthen the prosecution’s case. Family involvement in crimes can evoke a range of emotions from the public, complicating notions of loyalty and betrayal.
Time.news Editor: The prosecution has requested sentences ranging from three to eight years for the defendants. What factors might influence the court’s decision in determining these sentences?
Dr. Olivia moreau: The court will certainly consider the severity of the crimes and the premeditated nature of the attack. The fact that this was not a spontaneous act but one that was carefully planned adds weight to the prosecution’s argument. Othre considerations include any prior criminal history, the level of involvement of each defendant, and their remorse or lack thereof. The age and status of the accused can also play a role—particularly with Mathias Pogba being in a different legal position than his co-defendants. The prosecution’s portrayal of the incident as a ”violent action” will likely resonate in the court’s assessment.
Time.news Editor: During the trial, the prosecutors noted the importance of the “extremely sustained trade” between the defendants leading up to the attack. How does this communication play into proving intent and conspiracy?
Dr.Olivia moreau: Communication records can be crucial in establishing a conspiracy. the more frequent and secretive the communication, the stronger the implication of premeditated conspiracy. They paint a picture of collusion and shared intent, which is vital for the prosecution to demonstrate that this was not an isolated incident but rather the culmination of a concerted plan. The use of secure messaging platforms can also indicate consciousness of guilt, showcasing an awareness of the illegality of their actions.
Time.news Editor: With the current landscape of social media and high-profile figures involved, how does this case impact public perception of athletes, particularly concerning off-field behavior?
Dr. Olivia Moreau: This case can substantially affect public perception, especially in an era where athletes are scrutinized not just for their performance on the field but also for their actions off it. People often have a dual view of celebrity figures; they admire their achievements but also expect them to uphold certain moral standards. When incidents like this arise,it can instigate debates on accountability and the pressures athletes face,both personally and professionally. it illustrates that fame can sometimes attract not just adulation, but also complexities and dangers that challenge long-held ideals.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insightful perspectives on this complex case. It will be intriguing to see how the trial unfolds and its implications for both Pogba and his family in the eyes of the public and the legal system.
Dr. Olivia Moreau: Thank you for having me. It’s certainly a case that raises many questions about loyalty,trust,and the legal responsibilities of family members.