Man impersonates Alexandre Lacazette in alleged €200,000 benefits fraud
A man in his forties has been arrested in Nice for allegedly impersonating Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette as part of a benefits fraud scheme totalling approximately €200,000, according to a report by Le Parisien. The individual is accused of using falsified identity documents in the French forward's name to submit fraudulent claims to the Caisse nationale des allocations familiales (CAF), the national family benefits fund.
The alleged fraud was uncovered during routine verification checks by the CAF, which identified over €29.2 million in fraudulent claims in 2025. The suspect reportedly visited a CAF office in Nice to complain about the suspension of his RSA income support, an act that ultimately led to his arrest. The public prosecutor has requested a five-year prison sentence for the individual involved.
Alexandre Lacazette, 33, is a prominent figure in French football, having scored over 100 goals for Lyon across two spells and earning 16 caps for the French national team. He currently captains Lyon and is not suspected of any involvement in the case, which centres solely on the alleged misuse of his identity. The incident highlights ongoing concerns around identity fraud and welfare system security in France.
This is not the first time a high-profile footballer's identity has been misused. Similar cases have occurred across Europe, often targeting athletes due to their public profiles and financial status. The CAF has intensified its fraud detection efforts in recent years, leading to a significant increase in uncovered schemes. The case in Nice demonstrates the sophisticated methods sometimes employed, including the use of forged official documents.
The legal proceedings will now follow their course, with the court to determine the suspect's guilt. For Lacazette and Lyon, the matter is an external distraction as the club focuses on its Ligue 1 campaign. The player's representatives have not commented on the report, but such incidents often lead to increased personal security vigilance for public figures.
