French authorities revealed on September 2 that a criminal investigation uncovered a group allegedly planning kidnappings and assaults against wealthy individuals, including footballer Kylian Mbappé. ^[1] The investigation identified Clément L., an 18-year-old French-Swiss national, as the primary suspect who allegedly used the alias 'Lester Z' to coordinate actions. ^[2] French authorities arrested Clément L., an 18-year-old gang leader, after discovering he planned to kidnap 26 people, including Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappe. ^[3] French authorities opened an investigation into a criminal plot in which the suspected ringleader is an 18-year-old detained man using the pseudonym 'Lester Z'. ^[4] French authorities are investigating a criminal plot where the alleged leader, an 18-year-old detained individual known by the alias 'Lester Z', targeted Kylian Mbappé for kidnapping among multiple other potential victims. ^[5] Kylian Mbappé, a top footballer playing for Real Madrid, was allegedly targeted in a kidnapping plot by a criminal group in France. ^[6] The criminal group planned to kidnap 26 individuals, including celebrities, athletes, and wealthy businesspeople. ^[7] Investigators found references to 26 potential victims on devices linked to the suspect, including footballers, musicians, merchants, and wealthy business owners. ^[8] The investigation originated from an attempted break-in on a watchmaker in Neuilly-sur-Seine in April, followed by an armed robbery at the jewelry store where thieves stole luxury items valued at approximately 150,000 euros. ^[9] Analysis of seized mobile phones revealed that Clément L. planned additional robberies or kidnappings between April 11 and August 19. ^[10] Clément L., who operated under the social media pseudonym 'Lester Z', issued orders to his accomplices to carry out the planned kidnappings and robberies. ^[11] On May 4, 2026, the same watchmaker suffered an armed robbery in his shop where two men stole 11 luxury watches valued at approximately USD 174,000. ^[12]