An 18-year-old suspect has been arrested in France over an alleged kidnapping plot that reportedly involved 26 potential targets, including Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé. The suspect, identified as Clément L., was already in prison for unrelated serious offences. That was when investigators allegedly discovered information about the targets on two mobile phones. The list reportedly included footballers, rappers and wealthy businesspeople. Investigators are examining several alleged home invasions and kidnapping plans said to have taken place between April and August 2026.

French police foil alleged kidnapping plot involving Kylian Mbappé after suspicions by luxury watchmaker 

The suspect allegedly used the name “Lester Z” while communicating through Snapchat and was charged alongside another suspected accomplice in Nanterre on August 21. The investigation reportedly began following an incident involving a luxury watchmaker in Neuilly-sur-Seine, which helped authorities uncover the suspected network. Clément L. has been placed in custody and isolation, while the alleged accomplice was released under judicial supervision. Mbappé being named among the alleged targets does not mean that an attempt was made to kidnap him. The case is still under investigation, with French authorities continuing to examine the alleged plans and the people involved.

French authorities have reportedly foiled a dangerous criminal plot involving plans to kidnap several wealthy and high-profile individuals, with Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappé named among the alleged targets. According to the report, 26 people were identified on a list recovered by investigators, including footballers, rappers and businessmen with substantial fortunes. The investigation reportedly led police to an 18-year-old suspect identified as Clément L., who allegedly operated under the alias “Lester Z”. Despite already serving a prison sentence for armed robbery and pimping, he is accused of continuing to direct a criminal organisation from his cell through Snapchat.

The investigation reportedly began after police looked into a robbery at a luxury watch shop in Neuilly-sur-Seine in April. A search of the suspect’s two mobile phones allegedly uncovered addresses and information linked to the 26 people the group was reportedly planning to target. A judicial source confirmed that Mbappé was among the most prominent names on the list, alongside a rapper and several wealthy businessmen, including a jeweller and international traders. The case has caused concern in France because of the seriousness of the alleged plans and the profile of those targeted. The suspect, who had dropped out of a vocational cooking course, reportedly told investigators that he hoped to complete his education and eventually work as a chef.