PSG defender Lucas Hernández and his wife Victoria Triay face human trafficking and illegal employment allegations following a formal complaint filed by a Colombian family at Versailles court. The family, consisting of a mother, father and three children, worked for Hernández and Triay between September 2024 and November 2025, allegedly employed without work permits or contracts to perform roles including security, cleaning, cooking, and childcare. The investigation represents a major controversy for the 2018 World Cup winner, with plaintiffs’ lawyer Lola Dubois telling Paris Match that the allegations show “criminal intent” due to the period of time and number of people involved.
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Allegations and Detailed Accusations
The complaint states that the family were not registered with France’s social security system and all payments were made in cash. They were also expected to work long hours, ranging from 72-84-hour weeks, and had no days off. Additionally, some family members were given false Spanish identities, and they were made to sign non-disclosure agreements despite not having work contracts.
| Allegation | Details |
|---|---|
| Employment Period | September 2024 – November 2025 (14+ months) |
| Work Permits | None provided or obtained |
| Employment Contracts | No formal documentation |
| Social Security Registration | None registered for over one year |
| Payment Method | Cash only, no pay slips provided |
| Working Hours | 72-84 hour weeks without days off |
| False Identities | Some family members given false Spanish identities |
| Non-Disclosure Agreements | Signed despite absence of work contracts |
| Post-Employment Intimidation | Family alleges intimidation tactics after November 2025 |
Hernández and Triay’s Response
Hernández and wife Triay issued a statement: “We opened our home and our lives to people who presented themselves as friends, who sought our kindness and for whom we had genuine affection. They shared our lives with respect and dignity. We helped them, supported them and believed them when they told us they were in the process of regularising their situation.” The couple claim they acted as compassionate humans who were deceived regarding the family’s immigration status.
| Statement Element | Response |
|---|---|
| Denial | Both deny wrongdoing |
| Good Faith Claim | Acted with good faith and compassion |
| Manipulation Allegation | Claim they were manipulated by emotional stories |
| Trust Betrayal | State trust was betrayed by the family |
| Compassion Defense | Assert compassion was exploited |
Career Profile and Background
Hernández began his career through Atlético Madrid’s academy with his brother Theo, establishing himself as one of world football’s premier left-backs before Bayern Munich’s €80 million acquisition in 2019. His four-year Bavarian tenure yielded substantial silverware including Bundesliga titles and Champions League glory. He moved to PSG in 2023 and was part of France’s 2018 World Cup-winning squad.
| Period | Club | Major Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-2019 | Atlético Madrid | Academy graduate, 256 appearances |
| 2019-2023 | Bayern Munich | €80m transfer, Bundesliga 2x, Champions League, German Cup |
| 2023-Present | PSG | €45m transfer, Ligue 1 titles |
| International | France | 40 caps, 2018 World Cup winner, 2022 finalist |
Previous Legal Controversies
Hernández has faced previous legal issues that reignite scrutiny through current allegations. In 2017, he was arrested for assaulting his then-girlfriend Amelia Ossa Llorente, resulting in a restraining order.
Despite the restraining order, the couple married, and Hernández was later sentenced to six months in prison for violating the order. The historical context adds complexity to current human trafficking allegations.
Investigation Status and Next Steps
The Versailles prosecutor’s office will continue investigating the allegations, with Hernández and wife Triay denying any wrongdoing. The formal investigation marks the beginning of a potentially lengthy legal process. The family alleges they faced intimidation tactics after November 2025 to prevent them from presenting their legal case.
Victim Family’s Claims
The Colombian family alleges systematic exploitation across multiple dimensions. Beyond employment illegality, they claim:
- Forced extended working hours (72-84 hours weekly without statutory breaks)
- Restricted freedom and movement
- Psychological manipulation through false promises
- Intimidation following employment termination
- Violation of French labor laws and human trafficking statutes
These allegations suggest organized exploitation rather than isolated labor violations, supporting plaintiff attorney assertions regarding criminal intent.
Legal Framework and Implications
French law prohibits employment without proper work permits, contracts, or social security registration. Human trafficking allegations carry severe criminal penalties under French statute, with the prosecutor’s office investigating whether the conduct meets legal definitions of trafficking versus illegal employment. The distinction carries significant sentencing implications.
Impact on Professional Career
Hernández remains Atlético Madrid’s second-largest sale in history after Antoine Griezmann’s Barcelona transfer. The current allegations threaten to overshadow his substantial professional achievements.
PSG may face institutional pressure regarding player conduct and organizational oversight of employee hiring practices.
Read More: Champions League 2025-26 Round-Up: Barcelona Edge Thriller, Liverpool Cruise Past Marseille
FAQs
What exactly are Lucas Hernández and Victoria Triay accused of?
They’re accused of human trafficking and illegal employment of a Colombian family (5 people) from September 2024 to November 2025. Allegations include employment without permits/contracts, 72-84 hour weeks, false identities, and non-disclosure agreements.
What is the status of the investigation?
The Versailles prosecutor’s office is officially investigating. Both Hernández and Triay deny wrongdoing. The investigation status remains open with no charges filed yet.
Have charges been filed against Hernández?
No formal charges have been filed. A formal complaint was submitted to prosecutors, initiating an investigation. Hernández and Triay deny allegations and claim good faith actions.
What are the potential legal consequences?
French human trafficking and illegal employment convictions carry prison sentences and substantial fines. If classified as trafficking versus employment violations, penalties escalate significantly.
Does Hernández have prior legal issues?
Yes. In 2017, Hernández was arrested for domestic violence against now-wife Amelia Ossa Llorente, received a restraining order, married her anyway, was arrested again for violating the order, and received a six-month prison sentence.
