Fraudster posing as Lewandowski’s lawyer dupes Barcelona €1m
Barcelona have reportedly fallen victim to a sophisticated fraud attempt, losing €1 million (£830,000) to a scammer posing as someone associated with star striker Robert Lewandowski’s agent.
Lewandowski, who was signed by Barcelona from Bayern Munich in the summer of 2022 for an initial fee of €45 million (£37 million), has since become a key player, scoring 71 goals in 106 matches.
However, behind the scenes, Barcelona faced a serious issue when a fraudster exploited the high-profile transfer.
Following Lewandowski’s move, Barcelona was contacted by someone claiming to be working with his agent, Pini Zahavi.
The fraudster, using the fake identity of Michael Hermanus Gerardus Demon, posed as Lewandowski’s lawyer and demanded €1 million to be transferred to a Cypriot bank account.
READ ALSO:
Despite the persistence of the fraudster, Barca eventually agreed to make the payment, sending the money to an account at Banc de Xipre.
Fortunately, the bank’s compliance department flagged the transaction as suspicious and froze the funds, preventing the fraudster from accessing them.
An investigation by Cadena SER revealed that the fraudster had no prior banking history with the Cypriot bank, and when asked to verify their identity, Barcelona reached out to Zahavi, who confirmed he had no knowledge of the individual. The bank then permanently froze the funds.
‘Mr. Demon’ later threatened to report Barcelona to UEFA and demanded an additional €250,000 (£207,000) for his silence. However, Barcelona successfully recovered the €1 million from the Cypriot bank.
Despite the close call, Catalan police have not launched a criminal investigation since the club has not filed a formal complaint.
Barcelona confirmed to Cadena SER that the club had been targeted in an attempted fraud, which has led them to strengthen their anti-fraud protocols.
How much is Mike Tyson, Jake Paul getting paid for the fight?
Jake Paul, a former child star and social media influencer who began his professional boxing career in 2020, on Saturday secured a victory against former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson in a boxing bout.
The fight was livestreamed worldwide on Netflix, and Paul won by unanimous decision.
While the outcome surprised some, the financial stakes were just as intense as the match itself, with both fighters set to earn huge sums for their efforts.
Mike Tyson, widely regarded as one of the greatest boxers in history, is 58 years old and has an estimated net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
READ ALSO:
While this figure is modest compared to the hundreds of millions Tyson earned during his career, including $400 million in fight purses according to Forbes, he’s also made a remarkable comeback after declaring bankruptcy in 2013 at age 37.
Although promoters did not disclose Tyson’s exact earnings from the fight, reports from sources like DraftKings Network estimate he will earn around $20 million.
This figure is comparable to the amount Tyson earned for his 1988 match against Michael Spinks, which had a record purse at the time (worth approximately $53 million today when adjusted for inflation). That fight ended in just 91 seconds, with Tyson knocking out the previously undefeated Spinks.
Jake Paul, 27, is expected to earn approximately $40 million, according to estimates from DraftKings Network and other sources. This is double the amount Tyson is projected to make. One reason for this disparity may be Paul’s status as a top social media influencer, with 27 million followers on Instagram alone. Additionally, Paul is the co-founder of Most Valuable Promotions (MVP), the company promoting the fight in partnership with Netflix.
Paul’s net worth is estimated at $80 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
I don’t think so – Mike Tyson on boxing retirement after loss to Paul
After his defeat to Jake Paul, 58-year-old boxing legend Mike Tyson indicated that he has no immediate plans to retire
This is just as he had praises for Paul who he stood toe-to-toe with till the final round and ultimately lost to by a unanimous decision.
“I’m really happy. He was a good fighter and well prepared,” Mike Tyson said. “I didn’t prove anything to anyone. Just to myself.”
Asked on a knee brace that he wore for the fight, Tyson said: “I can’t use that as an excuse or wouldn’t have been in there.”
Asked if this was the end for Tyson in the ring, he concluded: “I don’t think so.”
Mike Tyson’s controversial return to boxing ended in a one-sided defeat on Friday, with Youtuber-turned-prizefighter Jake Paul cruising to victory by unanimous decision against the heavyweight icon in Texas.
READ ALSO:
Tyson, 58, barely landed a punch during the eight-round bout at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, with Paul winning by big margins on all three cards — 80-72, 79-73 and 79-73.
Paul, 27, used his superior speed and movement to dominate the ageing Tyson with ease, and had the former undisputed heavyweight champion in trouble after landing a flurry of punches in the third round.
Super Eagles seal AFCON 2025 spot, draw 1-1 against Benin
Victor Osimhen’s late header helped the Super Eagles of Nigeria secure a 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in Abidjan, clinching their qualification for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Benin, playing their matches in Côte d’Ivoire, took an early lead in the 16th minute when Mohammed Tijani headed in a short corner.
The goal followed a period of sustained pressure from the Beninoise side on the Nigerian defence.
READ ALSO:
Benin nearly doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali made a crucial save to keep Nigeria in the game.
Osimhen threatened as the first half progressed, with a powerful header that narrowly missed the target.
In the second half, Benin came close again, but a shot veered inches wide of the right post, sparing the Eagles further trouble.
With nine minutes remaining, Osimhen rose to the occasion, connecting with a precise cross from Moses Simon to level the score at 1-1.
With this result, the Super Eagles top Group D with 11 points from five matches, while Benin hold second place with seven points.
South-West NURTW: Why we chose Oluomo over Baruwa
Court orders varsity to pay lecturer N40m compensation for wrongful dismissal
Apomu king turns warmonger for PDP
Ondo poll: Three gov candidates withdraw for Aiyedatiwa
Late COAS Lagbaja gets CFR honour, buried amid tributes
[UPDATED] [Breaking] APC’s Lucky Aiyedatiwa wins Ondo governorship election
NAF air strikes kill scores of bandits in Kaduna, free kidnap victims
NURTW: Agbede urges Baruwa to congratulate MC Oluomo, in spirit of sportsmanship
