French influencer jailed for six months after viral syringe ‘prank’ sparks public outrage

Why is influencer Ilan M. in jail?

Ilan M., who uses the pseudonym “Amine Mojito” on platforms such as TikTok, was found guilty by the Paris Criminal Court for “violence with a weapon that did not result in incapacity for work.” The sentence includes a total of 12 months in prison, with six suspended, as well as a €1,670 (approximately £1,450) fine. Additionally, he has been banned from owning or carrying a weapon for three years.

( Image credit : The video sparked widespread outrage in France | Credit: X/Basil_TGMD )

The video, posted shortly before France’s Fête de la Musique in June, showed the 27-year-old roaming the streets, pretending to stab unsuspecting members of the public with an empty syringe. Titled “Mojito le piqueur fou” (the mad stinger), the clip showed the influencer recording terrified reactions of bystanders.

Viral video of Ilan M. sparks outrage

The timing of the video amplified public concern, as France was already grappling with a wave of reports about needle attacks at festivals and student events. During the June music celebrations alone, police received over 140 reports of suspected syringe attacks, although few could be substantiated.

According to prosecutors, Mojito’s actions, whether intentional or not may have fuelled fear and potentially encouraged copycat behaviour.

Ilan M. expressed regret, said he was disconnected

In court, the influencer expressed regret, stating that he was disconnected from reality at the time and did not consider the consequences of his actions. He reportedly explained that he had copied similar online content seen from Spain and Portugal, without thinking about how it might affect the victims or the wider public.

( Image credit : ‘Amine Mojito’ at the Paris Criminal Court | Credit: AFP )

His lawyer, Marie Claret de Fleurieu, argued that the sentencing was fair and helped refocus attention on balancing public order with the protection of her client’s rights. She also emphasised that Mojito had already spent nearly two months in pre-trial detention, mostly in solitary confinement for his own protection.

Public reaction to the sentence has been mixed, with many social media users expressing anger over what they perceive as a lenient punishment. Some noted the psychological distress caused to those targeted, particularly in light of widespread anxiety over real needle-spiking incidents.

( Image credit : Amine Mojito’s lawyers had requested “clemency” from the court, noting he had spent nearly two months in pre-trial detention | Credit: X/YURI10000001 )

While the influencer’s intention may have been to generate viral content, the backlash has served as a stark reminder of the potential real-world harm caused by irresponsible online behaviour.