Former Arsenal and Manchester City midfielder Samir Nasri has reportedly spent around 10 hours in French police custody as part of a major judicial inquiry into organised money laundering. According to French media, the 39-year-old television pundit was questioned by financial investigators in Paris over suspected connections to a network associated with international drug trafficking.

Nasri detained by authorities

As reported by Le Parisien, Nasri was held for approximately 10 hours at the headquarters of the Paris judicial police on Thursday. He was interrogated by the financial research and investigation brigade (BRIF) in connection with an ongoing probe into drug trafficking, criminal conspiracy, and organised money laundering related to drug importation. The case is said to centre largely on two principal figures — jailed Marseille drug trafficker Karim Berrebouh and one of his alleged money launderers, Olivier Sabbah.

Nightclub ties prompt police interest

Nasri’s alleged involvement in the money laundering aspect of the investigation arises from his previous position as manager and shareholder of “XS”, a nightclub located in Ivry-sur-Seine, which he joined around 2016. Investigators are examining whether the nightclub was used to conceal illicit funds originating from Berrebouh’s criminal operations. This extended interrogation in Paris follows an earlier period of custody that Nasri reportedly underwent in Marseille at the end of June.

Deliveroo trail exposes pundit’s whereabouts

In addition to the criminal inquiry, the Canal+ pundit is under close examination by French tax officials concerning his declared place of residence. Despite being officially registered as a tax resident in Dubai — where no income tax applies — authorities suspect that the former Olympique de Marseille star may have secretly been living in Paris to avoid paying taxes. His tax status came under scrutiny after a Les Echos report in April revealed that investigators traced more than 200 food delivery orders made through the Deliveroo app, allegedly linking him to a Paris address.

Legal troubles persist

Although Nasri was released on Thursday evening without any formal charges at this stage, his legal situation remains uncertain. The former Premier League footballer could still be summoned for a possible indictment as the judicial investigation continues. The ongoing case also poses a potential threat to his career as a high-profile football pundit in France, particularly if further incriminating evidence comes to light.