Reports from France claim Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has admitted to a judge his involvement in alleged blackmail of Mathieu Valbuena.
SportYou cites French publication L’Equipe as reporting Benzema confirmed in court he was involved in attempts to extort money from fellow France international Valbuena.
Benzema was arrested on Wednesday and spent the night in the police station in Versailles, appearing before the judge on Thursday morning.
AFP also reported Benzema’s admission to the judge while SportYou also report Benzema’s brother is involved with the case and has also been detained.
It’s alleged a group attempted to extort money from Valbuena under threat of releasing footage from a sex tape.
A sum of €150,000 was allegedly demanded to prevent the release of the footage, and Valbuena went to the police after receiving the call with the demand.
L’Equipe say Benzema admitted approaching Valbuena about the demand on behalf of a ‘childhood friend.’
He is said to have agreed with the friend what to say to Valbuena after the friend was approached by the three men allegedly in possession of the footage.
Benzema could now be indicted and placed under judicial supervision.
