Rabat – Former Barcelona legend Andrés Iniesta is facing serious allegations in Peru, where prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into claims of aggravated fraud.
The case concerns a failed sporting and music event promoted under companies linked to the 2010 World Cup winner.
The complaint was filed by Gucho Entertainment S.A.C. and several local investors, who said they invested around $600,000 in projects backed by NSM Barcelona, chaired by Inista and its South American branch, NSN Sudamérica.
According to official documents, Iniesta’s reputation was used to attract businesspeople to fund events such as international football friendlies and K-pop festivals, almost all of which never even happened.
Only one event was held, which is the Upa Upa Fest. Prosecutors say it only generated heavy losses, which led to the cancellations of other events, including a legend match featuring former Peruvian and Spanish players and a friendly between Cienciano and Nacional de Quito.
The complaint also alleges that despite public promotions and Iniesta praising Peru’s passion for sports during the company’s 2023 launch, investors received no financial return. Several reported that their money was never reimbursed.
NSN Sudamérica was later declared bankrupt and liquidated without providing any accounting of the funds
Iniesta is being investigated alongside Paul Valderrama Rubio and Carlos Gómez Pintor, who are accused of authorizing and managing the company’s expansion into Peru.
Authorities are now working to trace the missing money and investigate irregularities.
Among those affected is Iván Petrozzi, who says he invested $35,000 for a friendly game in Miami involving Barcelona SC of Ecuador and Sporting Cristal.
Other investors, Juan Manuel Vargas Alva and Jorge Alberto Yáñez Giles, claim losses of $15,000 and $14,850, respectively.
The case remains in its early stages, with prosecutors planning to request further documentation from all parties involved.
As of now, Iniesta and the other individuals named in the complaint have not made any public statements regarding the allegations.
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