A 27-year-old Quebec influencer who allegedly committed bogus crimes to increase his social media following was handcuffed by Gatineau police in Outaouais on Wednesday.
According to the authorities, no less than half a million people subscribed to Anthony Gagné’s accounts on various platforms.
Investigations into the influencer began last May after a citizen filed a complaint with police after seeing the influencer driving around in a van with “FREE CANDY” written on it to lure children.
The Gatineau police therefore launched an investigation, during which the police identified several videos of the influencer in which he simulated crimes in order to receive visits from the police and thus increase his online visibility.
According to the authorities, Anthony Gagné even received a visit from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of one of his videos.
Anthony Gagné was reportedly received officially by officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) but would have continued his little game in the weeks that followed.
The Quebec influencer has multiple accounts on various very popular platforms. In total, he has more than 500,000 subscribers.
“It’s time people understood that gestures or words on social media are not without consequences. Whether the police are encouraged virtually or in person to open an investigation under false pretenses, it is a crime,” said Gatineau Police spokesman Agent Patrick Kenney.
Anthony Gagné’s home was searched on Wednesday. Among other things, the police were able to confiscate three mobile phones, an electronic tablet, a laptop, fake blood, a balaclava and a gas mask.
The influencer appeared at the Gatineau courthouse on Wednesday for attempted public infidelity.
He was released on a number of conditions, including not posting or sharing anything on social media.