The FC Barcelona president denies his involvement and claims that his notoriety has led him to be singled out in the case

Full article

Joan Laporta, under investigation for an alleged 4.7 million euro scam

Always in the eye of the storm. Normally because of their controversial celebrations, let's say, dubious management, as in the recent case of Dani Olmo, or because of some off-color statement. But, on this occasion, it is something different. The president of FC Barcelona, Joan Laporta, has been summoned to testify as an investigator for an alleged swindle of 4.7 million euros. The complaint has been filed by a family who, after winning 34 million in the Primitiva lottery in 2014, invested 2.4 million in the company CSSB Limited, based in Hong Kong, under the promise of obtaining an annual return of 6%.

Laporta dissociates himself from the case and points the finger at Joan Oliver

During his appearance before Barcelona's Court of Instruction number 6, Laporta denied any involvement in the scam and assured that his involvement in the case was solely due to his public notoriety. He also pointed to Joan Oliver, former general manager of Barça and manager of CSSB, as the person responsible for the management of the company. According to his version, he was unaware of the details of the operation and did not participate in the investment attributed to him.

For its part, the complainant family maintains that, after receiving only a fraction of the promised profits, it tried to contact Laporta without receiving a response. The investigation seeks to determine whether the funds were diverted and to clarify the real participation of each person involved.

More people under investigation and possible responsibilities

Along with Laporta, two other people have been investigated in connection with the alleged scam: the owner of a luxury car dealership where the family bought a vehicle and his partner, then an external agent for a bank. Both admitted to recommending the investment in CSSB, arguing that their credibility was based on the alleged involvement of public figures.

The investigation is still ongoing and further legal proceedings are expected in the coming weeks to determine responsibilities in the case.