Khaberni - Examining court number 22 in Barcelona summoned, to listen to their statements as they are under investigation, both the president of FC Barcelona for football, Joan Laporta; and Vice President Rafael Yusty, as well as former club directors Xavier Sala i Martín and Joan Oliver, on January 15th, on the backdrop of an alleged fraud of 91,500 euros involving an investor in 2016.
According to a judicial ruling, the court accepted to hear the complaint against Laporta, Yusty, Sala i Martín, and Oliver, all of whom were associated with (Core Store), registered in Spain, and(CSSB Limited), based in Hong Kong, during the period in which the events occurred.
The complaint stated that the plaintiff invested, in the middle of 2016, through a private banking agent, an amount of 50,000 euros in the form of a loan at a 6% interest rate in (Core Store), which had a strategic plan aimed at supporting the ascent of Reus Deportiu from the third division to the second division.
Additionally, the woman paid an extra amount of 54,000 euros to purchase shares in the company (CSSB Limited), which aimed to establish a training academy in China modeled after (La Masia) affiliated with FC Barcelona.
The complaint added that besides the initially expected high financial returns, the main appeal of both projects lied "in the public and professional reputation of the parties involved," as they were "widely known individuals enjoying a good reputation in both the sports and business sectors".
At that time, Laporta held the position of joint director at (Core Store) alongside Oliver, the former general manager during his first term as president of the Catalan club, and the CEO of Reus Deportiu club until its disappearance, and the legal representative of (CSSB Limited).
Out of the total amount of 104,000 euros invested, the victim was only able to recover 12,500 euros in August 2024, following a series of claims due to repeated contractual breaches by the companies.
After finding out through the documentary 'Laportagate-El caso del Reus 2' that other individuals faced similar failed investments like hers in the companies (Core Store) and(CSSB Limited), she decided to contact the lawyer Pepe Oriola, who represents other victims, to initiate legal proceedings.
This case marks the third open investigation involving Joan Laporta on suspicion of alleged fraud due to his connection with the aforementioned companies.
