French police say they have stopped a kidnapping plan that named Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe and 25 other well-known people as targets.
The person at the center of the case is an 18-year-old identified only as Clement L. Investigators say he was trying to direct the plot from inside prison using two phones that were smuggled in.
How Police Found Out
During a regular search, prison officers took two mobile phones from Clement L. On those phones, detectives found a list with names, pictures and home addresses of 26 people.
According to Le Parisien, the list included footballers, musicians, business owners, jewellers and other wealthy individuals. Mbappe was named on it.
A source involved in the investigation told the paper the contents were “highly revealing.” The source added: “He also wanted to go after a rapper and the footballer Kylian Mbappe.”
Background on the Suspect
Clement L was already being held by authorities before this case came up. He was facing separate charges linked to pimping and organised theft.
He had also been jailed in the past for armed robbery. Police connected him to an attack on a watchmaker in Paris, where he was named as one of two men involved.
Even while in custody, officials say he was still giving orders to others. They allege he used Snapchat under the name “Lester Z” to send messages.
When police questioned him about the alleged kidnap plan, he said he was not behind it. He also told them he left school while studying cooking and hoped to return to finish his training and become a chef.
Authorities turned down his request to leave solitary confinement. They said he will stay there as they continue to look into the case.
Police say the plan was discovered early and no one was harmed. They have not named the other 25 people on the list while investigations are ongoing.