British Man Arrested at Disneyland Paris for Allegedly Attempting to ‘Marry’ 9-Year-Old Girl
A 39-year-old British man was arrested at Disneyland Paris over the weekend for allegedly attempting to stage a fake wedding with a 9-year-old girl in what authorities suspect may have been a disturbing social media stunt. This individual, whose name has not been disclosed for legal reasons, is a known pedophile and is currently wanted in the UK for failing to comply with the sex offenders register.
Background on the Incident
The suspect, who boasts a criminal history involving child sex offenses, was apprehended when park staff raised concerns about the legitimacy of the wedding ceremony. The wedding, organized before the park opened to the public, had reportedly cost $150,000 and included elaborate arrangements, such as a string quartet and hired extras.
The "bride," a Ukrainian girl, was seen wearing an ornate wedding dress and prohibited 5-inch heels, secured to her feet with tape. Witnesses noted that she appeared "scared and confused" upon arrival.
Disturbing Details of the Scheme
Investigators have revealed that the group behind the fraudulent ceremony had sent out advertisements online seeking participants for what they pitched as a high-end wedding rehearsal. Approximately 300 guests, including both adults and children, were reportedly misled and hired to attend the event.
One extra described their shock: “We all thought we were going to attend a wedding … Everyone was stunned; no one expected it.”
Alongside the British man, a 24-year-old Latvian woman masquerading as the bride’s sister, the child’s 41-year-old mother, and a 55-year-old Latvian man were also arrested.
Quick Response from Disneyland Paris
Disneyland Paris came under scrutiny for initially accepting the event but acted promptly upon recognizing "significant irregularities.” The park immediately canceled the ceremony and contacted law enforcement, a decision praised by investigators.
While authorities confirmed that the Ukrainian girl was not subjected to violence or coercive acts, her wellbeing was a primary concern during the inquiry. A medical examination indicated that she had not experienced harm during the incident.
Legal Consequences
The British suspect is currently in custody facing multiple charges, including fraud, breach of trust, money laundering, and identity theft. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities seek to understand the full extent of the operation and ensure the safety of the young girl involved.
Developing updates regarding the identities of the arrested individuals and the responses from child protection agencies in both the UK and France are expected in the coming days.
Focuses on crime, public safety, and regional events.
Bio: Marcus is a community-based journalist passionate about reporting impactful stories that matter most to readers.