2024-11-01 08:58:00
He had been in prison for almost four months. The influencer Poupette Kenza, placed in preventive custody at the beginning of July for an extortion case investigated in Rouen, was released on Thursday 31 October and placed under judicial supervision, Agence France-Presse (AFP) has learned together with her lawyer and the Prosecutor’s Office, confirming information from Parisian.
“This detention was actually motivated by the lack of guarantees of representation, due to the fact that he has spent his entire life in Dubai (…) her children, her husband, her house, her bank accounts, her businessesMr Jérémy Kalfon told AFP. From the moment his life was re-imported into France, there was no longer any reason for him to remain in detention, given the moderate severity of the case. »
The Rouen Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the author of the content had indeed been placed under judicial supervision by the investigating judge, without for now providing details on the methods of such supervision. The young woman, 24 years old, is pregnant with her third child and this pregnancy “most likely allowed” that his release be examined “a little faster” for justice, according to Me Kalfon.
Ransom of 200,000 euros
Poupette Kenza, real name Kenza Benchrif, is followed by 1.1 million accounts on Instagram and has a total of 1.2 million subscribers on TikTok. She is currently on trial for attempted extortion by an organized gang and criminal association. The case arose from the complaint, on February 23, 2024, of a couple who “he is the subject of various surveillance (physical, installation of a mini-camera near his home and GPS beacon positioned on his vehicle) and was physically threatened on condition of handing over a sum of 200,000 euros”explained the Rouen public prosecutor last July.
The influencer’s partner, Allan Liehrmann, returned to France on September 23rd “to explain himself to justice”. Arrested at the airport, he was in turn charged for the same facts and jailed. The investigation made it possible to identify the alleged perpetrator of the extortion attempt, who was also indicted and jailed. The man was arrested during an encounter “expected to deliver the sum of money, while carrying a grenade”. He admitted contacting the victims “resolve a financial dispute between them and an influencer currently residing in Dubai”.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Legal Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to our discussion on the recent release of influencer Poupette Kenza. Joining us today is Dr. Isabelle Moreau, a legal expert specializing in cyber law and social media regulations. Dr. Moreau, thank you for being here.
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: Thank you for having me! It’s a fascinating yet concerning topic.
Time.news Editor: Let’s start with the basics. Poupette Kenza, also known as Kenza Benchrif, has just been released after four months in custody related to an extortion case. What are your thoughts on the circumstances of her detention and release?
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: It’s quite remarkable, considering the serious nature of the allegations against her. The decision to detain her seems to stem from concerns about her ties abroad, particularly because she has lived in Dubai for most of her life. However, once she established her presence back in France with her family and businesses, the rationale for her continued detention weakened.
Time.news Editor: Interestingly, her pregnancy was noted as a factor that may have expedited her release. How do societal perceptions of gender and motherhood influence legal decisions like this?
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: Unfortunately, society often holds different standards for women, especially those who are pregnant. Courts can be swayed by these factors, sometimes leading to more lenient judgments because of compassion or perceived vulnerability associated with motherhood. In this case, it’s conceivable that her pregnancy created a sense of urgency for the judicial system to reassess her detention status.
Time.news Editor: Poupette Kenza has over 1.2 million followers on TikTok and 1.1 million on Instagram. How does her status as an influencer complicate this case?
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: It complicates it significantly! Influencers hold considerable sway over public opinion, and their actions are scrutinized by fans and critics alike. Poupette Kenza’s case raises questions about accountability in the digital age, particularly regarding the influence that such personalities have and how their actions can impact their audience and the legal outcomes they face.
Time.news Editor: The allegations include attempted extortion by an organized gang, with claims of surveillance and threats involving a ransom of 200,000 euros. What does this say about the dark side of influencer culture?
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: It underscores a troubling trend where the pressures and lifestyle associated with fame can lead to illegal activities. These influencers often find themselves in situations where the lines are blurred between their public persona and private life. This case exemplifies how the pursuit of wealth and status can spiral into criminality, and it raises larger questions about the mental and emotional health of influencers in such high-stakes environments.
Time.news Editor: Given that her case is ongoing, what can we expect in the legal proceedings ahead?
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: We are likely to see a thorough exploration of the evidence against her, including the specifics of the alleged extortion plot. The judicial supervision she is under will also be key in shaping her legal strategy moving forward. She will need to navigate both public scrutiny and legal hurdles, which will be challenging given her high-profile status.
Time.news Editor: what implications does this case have for the future of influencer accountability in France and beyond?
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: This case could set a precedent for how influencers are treated under the law, especially regarding cyber crimes and extortion. It may encourage stricter regulations on influencer conduct and the need for greater accountability within the social media ecosystem. As influencer culture continues to grow, legal systems will inevitably have to adapt to keep up with these complexities.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for your insightful analysis on this evolving situation. We will keep our eyes on how the case unfolds, as it could have widespread implications in the world of social media and law.
Dr. Isabelle Moreau: Thank you for having me. This is indeed a pivotal moment, and I look forward to seeing how it all plays out.