Overview

• French prosecutors launched a formal inquiry on July 18 into alleged undeclared payments by Mbappé to five police officers and private security for his private travels.
• Authorities suspect the payments may constitute black labor and tax evasion, prompting investigation by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
• Le Canard enchaîné reports that checks totaling about €180,300 were issued for escorts on trips within France and to Cameroon.
• Mbappé rejects all allegations and maintains that the payments were lawful tokens of gratitude for background staff support.
• The highest-ranking officer implicated is scheduled to face a disciplinary commission this autumn and could be required to repay the funds.