Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe was reportedly among 26 wealthy and high-profile individuals whose names and addresses were found on phones linked to an alleged kidnapping plot being investigated by French authorities.
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, the suspected operation was allegedly being coordinated by an 18-year-old identified as Clement L, who was already in prison when investigators uncovered the information.
Prison guards reportedly seized two mobile phones from the teenager, with authorities discovering details of potential victims on the devices. The list allegedly included footballers, rappers, wealthy businessmen, jewelers and other prominent figures.
A source familiar with the investigation told Le Parisien that the contents of the phones were “highly revealing”, adding that Mbappe and a rapper were among the people the suspect allegedly wanted to target.
The case has drawn attention partly because of the teenager’s alleged ability to continue communicating and issuing instructions despite being held in custody. Investigators reportedly believe he used Snapchat under the alias “Lester Z” to direct activities from prison.
Clement L was already facing serious legal proceedings before the alleged kidnapping plot came to light. He had been placed in pre-trial detention over accusations involving pimping and organised robbery.
He was also previously sentenced to prison for armed robbery after being identified as one of two men involved in an attack on a watchmaker in Paris.
Authorities have yet to establish the full extent of the alleged operation or whether any of the individuals identified on the seized phones were actually approached or attacked.
The teenager has reportedly denied being the mastermind behind the kidnapping plan. During questioning, he allegedly asked investigators to release him from solitary confinement and described plans to return to education.
Clement L told authorities that he had dropped out of school while pursuing a vocational qualification in cooking. He reportedly said he wanted to resume his studies and eventually become a chef.
His request was rejected, however, and he remains in solitary confinement as French authorities continue investigating the alleged plot and the identities of those potentially involved.
The investigation now centres on determining how far the alleged operation had progressed, who else may have been involved and whether the names found on the phones represented concrete targets or plans that had not yet moved beyond preparation.
