The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office has opened a formal investigation into Real Madrid and French national team star Kylian Mbappé, following a report from France’s financial intelligence unit Tracfin concerning suspicious payments made to members of the national team’s security detail.
The investigation, launched in July 2024, centers on irregular financial transactions that allegedly benefited five police officers and three private security personnel.
According to the prosecutor’s office, the National Investigations Division of the National Police Inspectorate has been assigned to lead a judicial inquiry into potential undeclared activity and money laundering linked to tax fraud. The case reportedly involves complex financial transactions and efforts are underway to identify those responsible.
French weekly Le Canard Enchaîné reported that Mbappé may have made “secret payments” — ranging from €180,000 to €300,000—to a commander in the Central Security Service and four senior officers for “special services,” including private travel to Cameroon and Provence.
An administrative investigation was also opened by the National Police Inspectorate, which alerted judicial authorities.
In response, Mbappé’s representatives stressed that “everything was done according to the rules,” highlighting that the player donated his 2022 World Cup bonuses in full transparency to members of the national team’s security staff. They also noted that the police commander received no personal payment from Mbappé.
While a disciplinary hearing has reportedly been scheduled for the officer in question, Mbappé’s lawyer declined to comment when contacted by AFP.
