Former Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri questioned in money laundering probe
Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has been questioned and released without charge by French authorities as part of an investigation into organised money laundering.
The former France international was detained for ten hours on Thursday by the Financial Investigation and Research Brigade in Paris.
He was subsequently released on Thursday evening, with reports indicating no legal proceedings will be brought against him at this stage.
The wider police investigation is examining suspected drug importation, criminal conspiracy and the laundering of proceeds from drug trafficking.
Nightclub investment scrutinised
Detectives questioned the retired playmaker regarding his shareholder status in a nightclub situated in the south-eastern suburbs of Paris.
Investigators are examining alleged financial ties between the venue and Hakim Berrebouh, a convicted drug trafficker currently serving time in prison.
It is alleged that the ex-footballer invested several hundred thousand euros into the business in 2016 during his playing days at Etihad Stadium.
Authorities suspect the jailed trafficker’s wife made multiple visits to the venue to withdraw substantial amounts of cash.
Childhood connections and past controversies
During his police interview, the television pundit maintained his innocence and insisted he believed he had sold all his shares in the enterprise to Berrebouh.
The two men share a connection dating back to their childhood in Marseille, where the former Premier League star reportedly forged a close bond with the kingpin’s older brother.
This recent police scrutiny is not the first time the two-time Premier League winner has faced disciplinary or legal issues.
In 2018, he received an 18-month suspension from football for breaching World Anti-Doping Agency regulations by receiving an intravenous hydration drip.
Following a transient end to his playing career, he officially announced his retirement in September 2021 and transitioned into sports broadcasting.