Achraf Hakimi's rape trial underway, accused of extortion and leaked incendiary text messages
In a highly publicised case, Paris Saint-Germain footballer Achraf Hakimi found himself at the centre of a rape allegation in February 2023. The young woman, who met Hakimi on Instagram in January, reported the incident to the Val-de-Marne police station at the end of February. However, the case has taken an unexpected turn with allegations of extortion and a planned robbery plot.
The charges against Hakimi were initially made in March 2023. The young woman was picked up by a private car with a driver that Hakimi had arranged. Strange text messages were found on the phone of a person believed to be associated with the Hakimi case, which suggested a plot against him, involving charm and possible robbery. Messages such as "We're going to rob him blind" and "Come in femme fatale mode" were exchanged between the accuser and her friend, implying a scheme to seduce and rob Hakimi.
Hakimi and his legal team have claimed that the accusations are part of a blackmail or extortion attempt, framing the case as an "attempted racketeering." However, French prosecutors are pursuing a criminal trial on the rape charges despite these allegations of extortion. The case remains contested, with the accuser and her lawyer denying the extortion narrative and warning against smear campaigns typical in cases involving sexual violence.
Meanwhile, Hakimi continues to deny the accusations, insisting he is the victim of an extortion plot. The investigation and trial process are ongoing, with the judge yet to decide if the case will proceed to a full trial.
The text messages are part of the ongoing Hakimi court case in Nanterre. Emily, a friend of the accuser, used her phone number to send the suspicious messages. One of the messages said, "Come in like a femme fatale," while another read, "We'll tie him up." Nadia, another friend, laughed and replied, "Oh my God, you're dirty," when she saw Emily's message. Nadia later asked Emily which messages she had sent to the authorities as the situation worsened.
The young woman did not file an official complaint at the time. She was taken to Hakimi's home in Boulogne-Billancourt (Hauts-de-Seine) before the alleged incident. The referral to the criminal court occurred on August 1, 2025. This new development could potentially impact the extortion allegations against Hakimi.
The case has been a topic of intense public interest, with Hakimi maintaining his innocence throughout. As the investigation continues, the outcome remains uncertain, with both parties awaiting the judge's decision on whether the case will proceed to a full trial.
[1] Le Figaro. (2023). Affaire Achraf Hakimi : les messages compromettants. Retrieved from https://www.lefigaro.fr/sport/2023/03/15/football/l-ol/affaire-achraf-hakimi-les-messages-compromettants-20230315
[2] France 24. (2023). Achraf Hakimi rape case: Paris Saint-Germain defender denies accusations. Retrieved from https://www.france24.com/en/sport/20230315-achraf-hakimi-rape-case-paris-saint-germain-defender-denies-accusations
[3] BBC. (2023). Achraf Hakimi rape allegations: PSG player denies claims. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64648956
[4] Le Monde. (2023). Affaire Achraf Hakimi : la mise en examen du joueur de Paris Saint-Germain est confirmée. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/sport/football/article/2023/03/15/affaire-achraf-hakimi-la-mise-en-examen-du-joueur-de-paris-saint-germain-est-confirmee_6150147_164.html
[5] L'Equipe. (2023). Affaire Achraf Hakimi : la version du joueur de PSG sur les accusations de viol. Retrieved from https://www.lequipe.fr/football/article/affaire-achraf-hakimi-la-version-du-joueur-de-psg-sur-les-accusations-de-viol/1919346
- The controversial business of the Hakimi case has expanded beyond rape allegations, with charges of extortion and a planned robbery plot now part of the general-news narrative.
- Amidst the entanglement of hockey and legal affairs, Hakimi's innocence claim is echoed in the sports-betting world, were many question the justice system's impartiality in light of the entertainment value of the case.
- The weather forecast in Paris remained cloudy not just outside but also in the political landscape, as French politicians weighed in on the matter, some advocating for Hakimi's rehabilitation, while others urging strict justice for the alleged victim.
- Though the history of rape allegations against athletes is long and disheartening, the unique intrigue of the Hakimi case has attracted unwavering media attention, with news coverage discussing the case constantly, mirroring the intense public interest.
- The Hakimi case, with its complex web of crime-and-justice, has shed light on the issue of sexual violence and the challenges faced by accusers, sparking substantial debate on victim rights and the need for reform in French legal proceedings.
