A 14-year-old boy in Paris has allegedly been targeting French tourists and motorists for several weeks, and police have arrested him more than once.
Most people know that pulling pranks on friends, family, or even strangers can be part of growing up. We’ve all done it, and most childhood pranks are harmless. But there’s a clear line between innocent fun and causing chaos.
For weeks, a 14-year-old boy who calls himself “Hamza La Douane,” or “Customs Officer Hamza,” has been causing trouble near Paris’ Canal Saint-Martin. According to French newspaper Le Parisien, he has been setting up a fake “customs post,” where he stops motorists at a water-gun point and demands €2 (about $2.29). If they refuse to pay, he sprays them with water.
On social media, Hamza said: “You give me two euros, I won’t get you wet; you don’t give me two euros, I’ll light you up,” according to The Sun.
The teenager has reportedly said the idea was inspired by corrupt customs officers in Algeria.
“In Algeria… when you pay the customs officers, they don’t search you… you can go on. I’ve got the same idea,” he told Le Parisien, as per The Sun.
According to reports, Hamza has been arrested on suspicion of group violence and vandalism. He has also been caught on video pushing women into the canal and firing his water gun at police officers and passers-by. Le Figaro reported that he has also been charged with aggravated theft, insulting officers, and resisting arrest.
“I make people laugh”
Despite the accusations, Hamza appears unfazed.
“I make people laugh, even mums come and take their photos with me,” he told BFM TV, according to The Sun.
While his mother is reportedly unaware of his activities, Hamza said his father knows what he’s doing and doesn’t object.
“He leaves me alone because he knows I’m not doing anything bad.
“All I do is water people and the police from time to time. My mother doesn’t know about it.”
His father also defended him in an interview with Le Parisien, describing his son as “a nice boy” who “doesn’t hurt anyone.”
Hamza has reportedly been linked to about 10 alleged offenses since last summer and is well known to police.
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