The police investigation into an alleged extortion plot against Paul Pogba has taken an outrageous twist after more than 30 videos were posted on a social media account linked to his brother (Mathias), who remains in custody in France.
The videos seem to have been recorded some time ago and were accompanied by a series of Twitter posts and a statement addressed to Paul Pogba. The first tweet claimed it had been sent automatically by a “bot.”
Mathias Pogba, who denies the allegations, turned himself in for questioning last weekend and, according to reports in France, is yet to be released from custody.
Paul Pogba, who re-joined Juventus from Manchester United this summer, has alleged that he was the victim of an £11 million plot against him by some of his childhood friends including his brother.
The France midfielder has claimed that he was confronted by a group at gun-point and brought to a flat in Roissy-en-Brie, where he alleged they demanded more than £11 million for “protecting him.”
The gang were alleged to have demanded £2.6 million in cash immediately but Paul Pogba was reportedly only capable of withdrawing £85k from his account. When the group allegedly attempted to extort money, Paul Pogba made a criminal complaint through his lawyers.
Last week Mathias Pogba's lawyer, Yassine Bouzrou, reiterated that his client is innocent, despite being "placed under formal investigation".
Last week Bouzrou told French broadcaster BFMTV: "We are going to challenge this decision. My client has committed no criminal offence. We do not understand the decision to keep him in custody, especially as he has an alibi for the night of the alleged kidnap.”
In late August Mathias Pogba published a video on Instagram in which he promised "great revelations" about his sibling and the Juventus player's agent, Rafaela Pimenta. He did not elaborate and the contents of the alleged “revelations” remain unknown.
In response a statement from Paul Pogba and his lawyers said “they are in addition to threats and extortion attempts by an organised gang against Paul Pogba.” They added that "competent bodies in Italy and France were informed a month ago.”
Paris prosecutors have since confirmed that an investigation was opened on August 3 into allegations of extortion and attempted extortion by an organised gang.
Mathias Pogba, 32, is currently without a club having spent last season in France’s fourth tier. He has previously played for Wrexham, Crewe Alexandra and Scottish side Partick Thistle.
Paul Pogba is yet to play a competitive game since returning to Juve having torn the meniscus in his right knee in July. He recently had surgery and is not certain of being recovered in time for November’s World Cup, where France will be aiming to retain their title.