Paul Pogba: What do we know about the extortion investigation?

An armed extortion gang, a witch doctor, and a scandal that has sent familiar whispers across France.

French prosecutors have confirmed that they are investigating claims by World Cup-winning footballer Paul Pogba that he has been targeted by organised gangs for millions of euros.

The affair -- seemingly stemming from a family dispute -- has generated a great deal of online conversation.

It became public on Saturday when Mathias Pogba -- Paul's older brother -- shared a video on TikTok.

In a recorded statement in four different languages, Mathias threatened to share “explosive” revelations about his brother and Paul’s new agent Rafaela Pimenta.

"[The public] deserves to know certain things in order to make an informed decision as to whether he [Paul Pogba] really deserves admiration, respect, a place in the French national team, and whether he is a person worthy of trust,” Mathias said.

The "revelations" include the bizarre claim that Paul Pogba allegedly hired a "marabout", or an African witch doctor, to supposedly cast a spell on his teammate and French football star, Kylian Mbappe.

In a subsequent Twitter thread, Mathias Pogba repeated his unsubstantiated claims, stating that "everything is true and proven, the marabout is known."

French law does not recognise any offence of hiring a witch doctor. Paul Pogba has denied the allegations.

Paul Pogba returned this summer to Juventus after six seasons at Manchester United and has enjoyed a glittering career of several major trophies. Brazilian lawyer Rafaela Pimenta became Pogba's agent after the death of Mino Raiola.

By contrast, Mathias Pogba -- three years older than Paul -- has spent most of his football career with lower-tier teams in Europe. Florentin -- Mathias' twin -- is