RismadarVoice Reporters
September 3, 2026
French authorities have arrested an 18-year-old man accused of masterminding a kidnapping plot targeting 26 wealthy and high-profile individuals, including Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé.
French newspaper Le Parisien reported that the suspect, identified as Clement L, allegedly coordinated the operation from prison using two mobile phones.
The alleged targets included footballers, rappers, wealthy businessmen, jewellers and other prominent figures. Authorities reportedly discovered their names and addresses on phones seized by prison guards.
Mbappé was said to be among those listed.
Clement L was already in pre-trial detention over allegations involving pimping and organised robbery. He had also previously been jailed for armed robbery after being identified as one of two men who attacked a watchmaker in Paris.
Despite being in custody, investigators allege that he continued issuing instructions through Snapchat using the alias “Lester Z.”
A source close to the investigation told Le Parisien that the contents of the seized phones were “highly revealing.”
“He also wanted to go after a rapper and the footballer Kylian Mbappe,” the source said.
The teenager reportedly denied being the mastermind when questioned by investigators.
He told authorities that he had dropped out of a vocational cooking programme but wanted to resume his studies and eventually become a chef.
His request to be released from solitary confinement was rejected, as authorities ordered him to remain in custody while investigations into the alleged kidnapping plot continue.
