Whether society likes it or not; crime is an everyday occurence. Various people are targeted for valuable items. The sports world is no different. In fact, it's more problematic.
People can target athletes because of their wealth. On the other hand, athletes may attempt to perform crimes due to their stardom. Two stories have recently come out to demonstrate these cases.
Kylian Mbappé was reportedly among 26 people considered as potential kidnapping targets by an alleged criminal network in France; according to an investigation published on Wednesday by Le Parisien.
The newspaper reported that the alleged network was led by an 18-year-old identified as Clément L., who used the alias "Lester Z." He was charged on 21 August in Nanterre with organised gang robbery, among other offenses.
Investigators have linked the suspect and his alleged accomplices to several home invasions and kidnapping plots, some reportedly carried out and others still at the planning stage between April 11 and August 19.
According to Le Parisien, authorities found a list of 26 potential targets on mobile phones seized from the suspect. Mbappé’s name reportedly appeared alongside those of wealthy businesspeople and figures from the rap and music industries.
The primary suspect remains in solitary confinement and pretrial detention; while an alleged accomplice was released under judicial supervision and was challenging the measure on Wednesday before the Versailles investigating chamber.
Investigators are continuing to determine how far the alleged plots had progressed and the precise role of each suspect.
Kylian Mbappe was reportedly among 26 wealthy and high-profile individuals whose addresses and personal information were found by French investigators during an investigation into an alleged kidnapping plot. The Real Madrid and France star was said to have been one of several potential targets identified on mobile phones seized from an 18-year-old suspect who was allegedly continuing to run a criminal organisation from prison. The list reportedly also included a rapper, a Chinese businessman, jewellers and a Turkish meat trader.
According to French newspaper Le Parisien, investigators discovered the addresses of 26 wealthy individuals on two mobile phones seized from the 18-year-old suspect.
The discovery came as authorities investigated the activities of the teenager, who allegedly continued directing a criminal organisation despite being held in prison.
The case, therefore, concerns an alleged plot rather than a kidnapping that was carried out. Investigators are now seeking to determine how far the organisation had progressed, whether any of the potential targets were actually approached or monitored and what each person under investigation allegedly did.
Mbappe's inclusion is nevertheless particularly striking given his status as one of the most recognisable footballers in the world and his position as Real Madrid and France's captain.
Clément L was already in pre-trial detention in connection with allegations of pimping and organised robbery when investigators discovered that he was allegedly continuing to issue instructions from inside prison.
According to Le Parisien, prison guards seized two mobile phones from him. Investigators then examined their contents and reportedly found information relating to the 26 alleged targets.
The teenager was allegedly operating on Snapchat under the alias "Lester Z," using the phones to communicate and issue instructions to people outside the prison.
A source close to the case told Le Parisien that the contents of the phones were particularly revealing. "Two phones were seized by prison guards, and their contents were highly revealing," the source said. The same source added: "He also wanted to go after a rapper and the footballer Kylian Mbappe."
The investigation reportedly began after authorities were looking into a separate robbery at a luxury watch shop in Neuilly-sur-Seine last April.
Clément L had already been identified as one of two men allegedly involved in the attack on the watchmaker, which had led to his detention over armed robbery.
The discovery of the phones subsequently opened a much wider line of investigation into the alleged criminal organisation and its potential plans.
During questioning, Clément L reportedly rejected the suggestion that he was the mastermind behind the alleged operation. He also asked to be released from solitary confinement but that request was refused and he was ordered to remain there while the investigation continues.
The teenager reportedly dropped out of school during the first year of a vocational qualification in cooking. He told investigators that he wanted to resume his education and eventually become a chef.
Despite those claims about his future plans, he remains in pre-trial detention as authorities investigate the much more serious allegations surrounding the criminal organisation.
His alleged accomplice has meanwhile been released under judicial supervision. That individual was challenging the measure on Wednesday before the Versailles investigating chamber.
The investigation must now establish precisely how the alleged kidnapping operation was organised; how much preparation had taken place and whether the information found on the seized phones translated into concrete plans against any of the 26 people named.
Soon after the arrest of a suspect with malicious intention of targeting Mbappe; the French President, Emmanuel Macron, responded to the plot.
Taking to X, Macron spoke out, "Attempt to KIDNAP Kylian Mbappé? NO ONE WILL TOUCH KYLIAN. He has worn the France jersey. He is a NATIONAL TREASURE."
The case underscores security worries for elite athletes as the probe continues. Kylian Mbappe is one of the most prolific football players of his generation, winning the FIFA World Cup in 2018; UEFA Nations League in 2021 and UEFA European Under-19 Championship.
There has been no indication that any alleged plot targeting Mbappé was carried out. His name emerged as part of a broader investigation into suspected criminal activities by the group.
Turning to cricket and Hampshire have decided that New Zealand all-rounder, Scott Kuggeleijn, won't represent the club having "listened to feedback from staff and supporters".
On Tuesday the Rose and Crown named him in their squad for a County Championship match against Warwickshire without announcing his signing on their social channels.
The signing immediately received a negative reaction on social media, with comments describing the moving as "disgusting" and "a new low for the club;" leading to Hampshire announcing on Wednesday that he wouldn't play.
Kuggeleijn faced a rape charge in 2015 and after a re-trial due to a hung jury; he was acquitted in 2017. It is understood that the player was in attendance at the Utilita Bowl for the first day of the game on Wednesday.
"Having reflected and listened to feedback from staff and supporters, Hampshire Cricket can confirm that Scott Kuggeleijn will not represent the club," the county said in a statement.
"We value the passion of our fanbase and thank everyone who took the time to share their views. Our focus now turns to supporting the team through the final four County Championship fixtures of the season. We encourage everyone to unite behind the team as we enter a crucial stage of the campaign."
Seam bowler Kuggeleijn has spent 12 years playing for Northern Districts in his home country. Between 2017 and 2024, he played three Test matches for the Black Caps as well as two one-day internationals and 18 T20s.
He was initially signed as cover for Delano Potgieter, who was called up to South Africa A last month for their series against Bangladesh A.
Hampshire are currently bottom of the Division One table with four matches remaining. After hosting Warwickshire, they travel to Nottinghamshire (September 8-11) and Leicestershire (September 15-18) before finishing their season at home to Sussex (September 24-27).
Hampshire currently sit bottom of Division One in the County Championship on 86 points, 16 points below Leicestershire who are above them. The Rose and Crown have only won twice with the red ball this year; losing on five occasions and drawing three.
These stories are quite shocking. It's hard to believe that an 18 year-old is resorting to crime; especially this convoluted. What's even more surprising is the person attempting to kidnap a national treasure.
People who are acquitted of a crime should be given another chance. Not being convicted means there is innocence. He should be allowed to play. He could've been pivotal in their survival quest.