Investigation into Qatar kidnapping allegations involving Nasser Al-Khelaïfi continues

An investigation into allegations that a lobbyist was kidnapped in Qatar is continuing, amid several legal proceedings involving Tayeb Benabderrahmane and PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaïfi. Al-Khelaïfi was due to be questioned by investigators. In this investigation, however, he is a civil party, on the side of the alleged victims.

The case dates back to January 2020, when Benabderrahmane was arrested in Qatar on suspicion of spying for a foreign state. He has since said that he was tortured and held captive there, and that this was connected in particular to documents he claims could have compromised Al-Khelaïfi. Al-Khelaïfi’s entourage denies that assertion.

The minister without portfolio in Qatar reportedly failed to attend the summons, citing diplomatic immunity. « Nasser Al-Khelaïfi intends for the diplomatic channels relating to his summons to be fully respected », his lawyer, Me Philippe Bouchez el Ghozi, said.

Benabderrahmane is also under formal investigation in a separate case concerning clandestine operations around PSG, over several alleged offences including influence peddling and corruption. After several months in detention in Doha and then being placed under house arrest, he left Qatar in November 2020.