Former Liverpool and QPR striker Djibril Cisse has been arrested as part of an investigation into a blackmail case that allegedly involves another football player.
Versailles prosecutor’s office said in a statement that three other people were also taken into custody.
Cisse is accused of conspiracy to blackmail, a charge with a maximum prison sentence of five years.
A prosecutor’s spokeswoman said the identity of the victim won’t be revealed “out of respect for his/her private life”.
The 34-year-old, whose career has been marred by injuries, is currently without a club. A former France international, Cisse scored nine goals in 41 games for his country.