Newcastle United former midfielder, Sylvain Marveaux, is among four people placed in custody in France as part of investigation into suspected tax evasion and money laundering in the transfer of football players between England and France.
A source with direct knowledge of the case told The Associated Press that the 31-year-old Marveaux was arrested on yesterday during a wave of arrests and raids in both countries.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because that person was not authorized to speak publicly about the case. French newspaper, Le Parisien first reported Marveaux’s arrest.
The three other people are players’ agents/
The investigation centers on whether payments were hidden to players, agents or third parties to evade income tax and social security contributions.
Premier League leader, Chelsea, London rival West Ham and Newcastle are the only clubs in England so far to be publicly embroiled in the far-reaching probe.
Britain’s tax authority, which seized financial records, computers and phones in raids, said the suspected fraud amounts to 5 million pounds ($6 million).
Marveaux currently plays for French club, Lorient.
