Barcelona President Joan Laporta Investigated for Suspected Fraud

Joan Laporta, the president of FC Barcelona, is currently under investigation for alleged fraud, according to recent reports. The Barcelona Court of Instruction No. 6 is examining claims of a 4.7 million euro fraud involving the club’s top executive.

The case centers around a family who won a 34 million euro lottery prize in 2014. They sought to invest part of their winnings in a Hong Kong-based company called CSSB Limited. Laporta allegedly acted as both a legal advisor and attorney for the family during this process.

The family claims they invested 2.4 million euros in CSSB for a three-year term with a promised 6% annual interest rate. The contract, signed in November 2017, is now under scrutiny for potential irregularities, including being written in English, lacking a legible signature, and containing clauses unfavorable to the investors.

According to the complaint, the family received only 84,000 euros in returns, far less than the 792,000 euros they expected based on the agreed terms. Furthermore, their initial investment was not returned. The family accuses Laporta of taking advantage of their limited financial knowledge.

The court is now investigating whether CSSB actually received the investment funds, which will be crucial in determining Laporta’s role in this alleged fraud. The family has requested the return of the reportedly defrauded amounts, but claim that none of the involved parties have shown willingness to comply.

This investigation adds to the challenges faced by FC Barcelona and its leadership, potentially impacting the club’s reputation and operations. As the legal process unfolds, it remains to be seen how this will affect Laporta’s position and the club’s future.