PSG Star Accused Of Alleged Human Trafficking And Exploitation Of A Colombian Family
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Lucas Hernández and his partner are under intense legal scrutiny after a Colombian family filed a formal complaint in a French court accusing the World Cup winner and his wife of human trafficking, illegal employment, and labour exploitation.
The shocking allegations have rapidly become one of the most talked-about off-field stories in European football, prompting an official investigation by French prosecutors.
The complaint — submitted to the Versailles prosecutor’s office in January 2026 — comes from a family of five from Colombia who claim they worked for Lucas Hernández and his partner from September 2024 until November 2025 under severe and unlawful conditions.
The case has raised questions about alleged exploitation, undocumented employment, and potential violations of French labour law.
Allegations: Illegal Work Conditions and Long Hours
According to the complaint, the Colombian family was employed without valid work permits or contractual protections.
The parents and their three children reportedly carried out a wide range of duties at the Hernández household — from security roles and cleaning to cooking and childcare — yet were never properly registered with France’s social security system.
Payments were said to be made only in cash, and no official employment records or contracts were provided during most of the period they worked.
The family alleges they worked extremely long hours — with weeks ranging from 72 to 84 hours — without adequate rest days or legal workplace protections.
Under French labour regulations, these conditions, if proven, could constitute both illegal employment and human trafficking offences, especially given the absence of legal documentation, real contracts, and proper compensation.
Beyond working conditions, the complaint asserts that the family was asked to sign non-disclosure agreements in February 2025 despite lacking proper contracts.
There are also claims the defendants were given false Spanish identity documents, allegedly to create a façade of legal status.
Family’s Story and Legal Representation
The family’s lawyer, Lola Dubois, has described the situation as potentially demonstrating criminal intent” because of the prolonged period and the number of people involved.
She told French media that the lack of contracts, social security contributions, and legal protections suggests this was not a simple misunderstanding but a systemic attempt to skirt French labour laws.
According to elements of the complaint, disagreements with Hernández’s partner allegedly led to harsh dismissals — with claims the family faced psychological pressure and intimidation as a result.
Although the details are contested, the complaint paints a picture of a family that felt trapped in unsafe conditions while believing they were promised help with regularising their immigration status.
Lucas Hernández Responds: Denial and Statement
In response to the allegations, Lucas Hernández and his partner issued a public statement rejecting the claims.
They describe themselves as having acted with kindness and good intentions, believing they were helping friends who genuinely needed support.
“We opened our home and our lives to people who presented themselves as friends,” the pair wrote, adding that the trust they placed in the family was “betrayed.”
Hernández and his partner further said they believed those they employed were in the process of regularising their status and that any promises made were done in good faith rather than with malicious intent.
They emphasised that they had acted “as human beings,” asserting that compassion had been “exploited.”
Legal Process Underway
At this stage, French authorities have not charged Lucas Hernández or his partner with a crime; rather, they are under investigation following the complaint.
The Versailles prosecutor’s office will assess whether the allegations warrant formal charges for human trafficking, hidden work, and related offences under French labour and criminal law.
It’s important to note that a complaint — even one as serious as this — does not mean guilt. The French legal system will evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, and determine whether the acts described meet the threshold for prosecution.
Legal experts caution that such cases can take time to unfold, and public opinion should be balanced with the need to allow due process.
Hernández’s Football Career and the Impact of the Allegations
Lucas Hernández, 29, joined PSG in 2023 after successful spells at Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid.
A French international and member of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad, Hernández has made over 80 appearances for PSG and remains an important figure on the pitch.
The legal complaint and ensuing investigation come at a delicate moment in his career, potentially overshadowing his footballing achievements.
The spotlight will now be on how the case progresses and whether the allegations lead to charges or are ultimately dismissed.
What’s Next?
The Versailles prosecutor’s office will determine the next steps, including whether to pursue charges against Lucas Hernández and his partner.
Until then, the defender’s status — both legally and in the professional football world — remains uncertain as supporters and critics watch closely.
In complex legal matters like this, the outcome will depend on thorough investigation, evidence, and legal interpretation under French law.
Regardless of the eventual resolution, the case highlights broader issues of employer responsibility, worker rights, and the importance of legal protections for migrant labourers in Europe.
