Businessman wins £4.5M legal battle after ex-wife left him for soccer star

A wealthy businessman has emerged victorious in a £4.5 million legal battle following a property fraud scheme he executed to finance his divorce after his former spouse left him for ex-Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas.

Elie Taktouk and Lebanese model Daniella Semaan wed in 1998, but their marriage ended 13 years later when she began a relationship with the Spanish soccer player. During a contentious divorce proceeding, Taktouk lost his £5.5 million London home to Semaan and Fabregas.

In 2021, Taktouk received a 7-year prison sentence for his involvement in a multi-million pound property fraud. He was subsequently ordered to pay £4.5 million as part of a confiscation ruling related to the scheme. A judge ruled Taktouk would serve an additional 8 years in prison if he failed to pay the amount.

However, Taktouk has now successfully appealed that order, with the Court of Appeal granting him the right to present new evidence from his brother, who is the executor of their late father’s estate. Taktouk’s father was reportedly one of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals, with an estimated net worth of £187 million.

During the divorce, Taktouk maintained an extravagant lifestyle, driving a Porsche and renting a £21,000 per month property in an exclusive London neighborhood. He was ultimately convicted on 11 counts of fraud and forgery related to a failed property development project.

Semaan and Fabregas, who met at a Japanese restaurant in 2013, married in 2018 and now reside in Italy with their three children. Fabregas currently manages Italian club Como.