A 14-year-old boy, who has gained social media attention for his disruptive behavior, has been arrested twice in recent weeks for allegedly terrorizing tourists and motorists along Paris's Saint-Martin Canal. The teenager, who calls himself "Hamza La Douane" or "Customs Officer Hamza," has been engaging in antics since late June, according to reports.
Often shirtless and armed with a water gun, Hamza has reportedly approached drivers, charging them €2 (approximately $2.29) to spray them with water during a heatwave. He has stated that he took inspiration from corrupt customs agents in his native Algeria. "In Algeria … when you pay the customs officers, they don’t search you … you can go on," he told outlets. "I’ve got the same idea."
He has also been accused of other incidents, including shoving a woman into the canal, attaching a stolen bar chair to an electric scooter, throwing a chair into the canal, stealing a soda, and spraying water at a police officer. In one instance, he allegedly entered a woman's apartment and insulted her.
His first arrest occurred on June 27 on charges of vandalism and group violence. Four days later, he was apprehended again and taken into custody on charges of aggravated theft, insulting officers, and resisting arrest. He was reportedly among a group accused of stealing a phone. During his jailing, the teenager allegedly remarked that he could cool off in the air conditioning.
French National Assembly member Julien Odoul criticized the situation, questioning how long such actions would be tolerated. The teenager reportedly splits his time between his mother and father's homes. His father has indicated that his son's actions "doesn't hurt anyone," while his mother is reportedly unaware of his activities. Hamza told CNews that his mother does not know about his behavior.
Elsa Marcel, a lawyer representing Hamza, has stated that the teenager has been the "target of harassment, racist insults, and threats." She described the water fights as "games" that have become a "national controversy" due to amplification by far-right figures. Marcel has threatened legal action against those who have insulted the teen and characterized him as a victim, without directly addressing the reported incidents. Odoul, however, criticized the parents and French law for the situation, suggesting that authorities should have contacted Hamza's parents and threatened to suspend welfare benefits.