French biathlon star has admitted to theft and fraud, confessing to five counts of fraud during a court hearing in Albertville on Friday afternoon.

The biathlon star Julia Simon pleaded guilty to misusing her national team teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet’s credit card for a financial transaction, as well as two other cases of fraud. All incidents occurred between 2021 and 2022.

Also Read: New shock in Julian Simon fraud scandal – Police uncover more victims

Braisaz-Bouchet was not present in court but was represented by her lawyer.

The charges

Simon was charged with theft and fraud after Braisaz-Bouchet reported her to the police for misusing her credit card for more than 2,000 euros. She is also accused of misusing the credit card of a member of the team’s support staff for a smaller amount — a fact already known since the case broke in June 2023.

In addition to those two known incidents, investigators have uncovered three more cases, bringing the total to five counts involving three victims:

• Fraud on December 2, 2021, in Östersund (Sweden)
• Fraud between August 5–11, 2022, in Sandnes (Norway) and Villard-sur-Dolon (France)
• Flight on August 5–7, 2022, to Sandnes (Norway)
• Fraud between September 22–25, 2022, in Premanon (France)
• Attempted fraud between September 22–25, 2022, in Premanon (France)

Among the new counts is fraud against the team’s physiotherapist, who testified in court on Friday:

“I would have preferred to resolve this amicably. But she lied straight to my face,” the physiotherapist said in court.

Sentenced to prison and fined

Simon faced up to five years in prison and a 375,000-euro fine, along with extensive civil and financial consequences.

Prosecutors requested a two-month suspended prison sentence and a 20,000-euro fine.

The judges ultimately ruled on suspended prison sentences of three months and a 15,000-euro fine, according to French media.

“It’s a high fine, but justified based on her income,” the judge said.

Simon made no comments after leaving the courtroom.

Admits to the charges

Julia Simon, who had previously maintained her innocence, changed her stance in court:

“I admit the facts. I panicked and withdrew when the federation confronted me about the situation,” Simon said.

She then expressed regret to the victims, adding that she had become confused by “internet addresses, her phone, and advertisements she had seen.”

However, she was unable to explain her motivation:

“I can’t explain it. I don’t see myself as someone who would do this. I can’t remember it,” she said.

“I had no financial motive. I live day by day, knowing this will have consequences for my career. It was stupid—just stupid—because I didn’t need it.”

When asked how she came to have photos of Braisaz-Bouchet’s credit card, Simon replied:

“I have a blackout on that.”

Through her lawyer, the French Biathlon Federation requested “symbolic damages.”

Braisaz-Bouchet wants answers

Braisaz-Bouchet’s lawyer spoke after the hearing:

“My client is not here today because this situation is too difficult for her. Beyond a confession, we wanted an explanation—and Braisaz-Bouchet is not satisfied,” she said.

She also referenced Simon’s earlier claim that she was the victim of identity theft:

“They’ve known each other for 20 years. That context matters—they are both teammates and rivals. She suspected this for a long time but didn’t have proof,” the lawyer added.

Background: A lengthy investigation

French biathlete Julia Simon was first reported to police in January 2023 for misusing the credit cards of teammate Justine Braisaz-Bouchet and a team staff member.

The fraud allegedly occurred during the Blink Festival in 2022, involving online purchases of electronic goods worth over 2,000 euros, which were delivered to Simon’s home in Beaufortain.

Simon was arrested by French police in October 2023 and later released. Authorities then launched a detailed investigation focusing on electronic traces and data traffic.

The investigation is now complete, and the findings were presented as evidence during the trial in Albertville on October 24.

Case developing.

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