Former France star Samir Nasri detained in drug money laundering probe – released without charges

Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri was taken into police custody on Thursday as part of a sprawling investigation into organised money laundering linked to drug trafficking, but was released that evening without facing charges.

The 39-year-old, now a television pundit for Canal+, spent approximately ten hours in custody at the headquarters of the Paris Judicial Police. He was questioned by the Financial Investigation and Research Brigade (BRIF) in connection with a judicial inquiry opened for drug importation, criminal conspiracy, and organised money laundering of narcotics proceeds.

Ties to Imprisoned Trafficker and Nightclub

The investigation centres on two key figures: Karim Berrebouh – a Marseille drug trafficker nicknamed “Wild Boar” who has been imprisoned since 2021 – and Olivier Sabbah, described as a pillar of Berrebouh’s money-laundering network.

Nasri’s alleged involvement relates to his former role as manager and shareholder of XS, a nightclub in Ivry-sur-Seine (Val-de-Marne), which he joined around 2016. He reportedly invested several hundred thousand euros in the venue while earning millions at Manchester City. Investigators are examining whether the establishment was used to launder funds from Berrebouh’s criminal network.

According to preliminary evidence, Berrebouh’s wife allegedly visited the nightclub multiple times to withdraw large sums of money while her husband was behind bars. Nasri’s business partner, Bilele Z., was also placed in custody on Thursday.

Childhood Ties and the Dubai Tax Question

Nasri’s connection to the Berrebouh family stretches back to his childhood in Marseille, where he was reportedly close to Karim’s older brother. He is said to have reconnected with Berrebouh in Dubai during the first lockdown in 2020, with Berrebouh later suggesting Nasri take a financial stake in XS – though the agreement allegedly remained verbal and was never formally recorded.

During questioning, Nasri reportedly maintained that he believed he had sold all his shares in the nightclub to Berrebouh. His lawyer, Said Harir, declined to comment when contacted.

Adding to his legal troubles, Nasri is also in the crosshairs of French tax authorities. Officially a fiscal resident of Dubai, where income tax is virtually non-existent, he is suspected of actually living in Paris to evade tax obligations – a claim supported by investigators tracing over 200 Deliveroo orders placed in the capital.

Released, But Investigation Continues

Thursday’s custody came after a first round of questioning in Marseille in late June. Although Nasri was released without any judicial proceedings initiated against him at this stage, the case is far from closed. He could still be summoned at a later date for a possible formal indictment as the investigation progresses.

The scandal has sent shockwaves through French football, coming as Les Bleus compete for the 2026 World Cup title. Nasri, who earned 41 caps for France between 2007 and 2013, now faces an uncertain future both legally and professionally as a high-profile television commentator.

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This story is based on reports from Le Parisien, L’Équipe, and other French media outlets. All allegations remain unproven, and Nasri is presumed innocent until proven guilty.