We told you about it a few days ago, the arrival of two French influencers in Brussels created a crowd movement. IbraTV and HMI, among others, came to distribute gifts to their fans. In videos circulating on social networks, we see police officers receiving gifts.
IbraTV and HMI caused a real riot at the Atomium. Even the two French influencers had trouble believing it. “I think there are 3,000 people where we have to go. It's too hot“, says the first influencer in a video broadcast when he came to Belgium.
And for good reason, the images of the crowd are impressive. Very popular on social networks, these content creators have millions of followers on the different platforms they use.
They came to Brussels to meet their fans and distribute nearly €200,000 in gifts. Presents that they also made to two law enforcement officers. The federal police responded in a press release: “It is absolutely forbidden for police officers to accept gifts. We check with the officers what happened and we review what needs to be done.”
“Beware of corruption”
For police officers, accepting a valuable gift or invitation can have, at a minimum, disciplinary consequences.
“We must be careful that we do not fall into the criminal offense of corruption. Corruption is simply the act of offering something to a public official, someone who has a mission of public interest, with a view to obtaining an advantage that this official cannot in principle give. Cannot legally give“, explains Frank Discepoli, criminal lawyer.
Make them leave “as quickly as possible”
Tensions also rose when fireworks were fired at officers. The police had to use water cannons to disperse and calm the crowd of fans who came to meet the two influencers.
“Finally, we decided to escort the bus to leave as quickly as possible. Of course, it wasn't an easy task, so we ended up using the water to disperse the people so the bus could leave without delay“, says Ilse Van De Keere, spokesperson for the Brussels-Capital-Ixelles police zone.
According to the authorities, there were no injuries or material damage on Monday evening despite an extremely tense situation.
IbraTV HMI influencers brussels atomium
