Andres Iniesta ventured into business after retiring from football
Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta has been accused of aggravated fraud of about $600,000 as authorities investigate failed sporting and music events promoted under companies linked to the player.
According to Spanish outlet Marca, the Peruvian Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation after receiving complaints from Gucho Entertainment S.A.C. and several other investors in the country.
They claim to have invested approximately $600,000 into projects backed by NSN Barcelona, a company headed by Iniesta and its South American subsidiary, NSN Sudamerica.
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Official documents allege that Iniesta’s global reputation was used to convince Peruvian businessmen to invest in major events such as international football matches and a K-pop festival, with the promise of earning profits.
However, most of the events promised by NSN Barcelona and NSN Sudamerica reportedly never materialised.
Prosecutors noted that the failed events resulted in significant financial losses for the investors, ultimately leading to the cancellation of contracts and other commitments.
The investors also did not recover their funds, and one of the companies, NSN Sudamerica, was later declared bankrupt and placed into liquidation without providing accountability.
Among the affected investors is Iván Petrozzi, who says he contributed $35,000 for a friendly match in Miami involving Barcelona SC of Ecuador and Sporting Cristal. Another pair of investors, Juan Manuel Vargas Alva and Jorge Alberto Yáñez Giles, claim to have lost $15,000 and $14,850, respectively.
Iniesta has yet to officially respond to the lawsuit and the allegations leveled against his companies.
SB/JE
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