British Man Arrested at Disneyland Paris for Alleged Mock Wedding Role with Child
A 39-year-old British man,Jacky Jhaj,previously convicted of sexual offenses involving minors,has been arrested at Disneyland Paris after allegedly staging a mock wedding with a nine-year-old girl. Jhaj, who allegedly played the role of the groom, faces charges of money laundering and fraud in France. The incident occurred after disneyland Paris was hired for a private wedding event, raising serious concerns about child exploitation and security protocols.
Details of the Arrest and Charges
Jacky Jhaj was apprehended this past weekend at disneyland Paris. Staff members alerted the authorities after noticing that the “bride” was a nine-year-old girl dressed in a wedding gown. The French state prosecutor in Meaux, jean-baptiste Bladier, stated that Jhaj played “the role of the groom after being professionally made up to display a face completely different from his own.”
An investigative judge in Meaux has charged Jhaj with money laundering and identity theft. The nine-year-old girl, who is Ukrainian, was reported unharmed by the police. Jhaj’s identity was confirmed by the BBC,which had previously investigated him.
Did You Know? Disneyland Paris is Europe’s most-visited theme park,attracting millions of visitors each year [Statista].
The Mock Wedding Ceremony
Jhaj is accused of organizing an elaborate mock marriage ceremony, complete with an orchestra, a large cake, and the iconic Disney castle as a backdrop. He allegedly hired over 100 paid extras from Paris, who were under the impression that they were participating in a real wedding. The event was scheduled to take place between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m. on Saturday, costing approximately €130,000 (£111,000).
The French court has also initiated an examination into the suspected corruption of a minor, designating Jhaj as an “assisted witness,” a preliminary step before indictment. A 24-year-old Latvian woman, who played the role of the bride’s sister, has also been designated as an assisted witness in the investigation.
Disneyland Paris’s Response
According to the prosecutor, Disneyland paris was deceived, with “the organiser impersonating a Latvian national and using false documents to secure the contract to hire the park.” The Ukrainian child,who arrived in France two days before the event,”suffered no violence,either physical or sexual” and “was not forced to play the role” of the bride. Disneyland Paris has filed a legal complaint regarding the incident.
Pro Tip: always verify the legitimacy of events and organizers when booking venues for large gatherings to prevent potential fraud and exploitation.
Legal Repercussions and International Cooperation
French judicial authorities were alerted by British police that Jhaj has a criminal record in the UK for sexual assault offenses. The Metropolitan Police in London confirmed that Jhaj was wanted for breaching a sexual harm prevention order and a breach of a sex offender register notification requirement. They are currently in contact with French authorities.
PA Media reported that Jhaj was placed under supervision after being convicted of sexual activity with two 15-year-old girls in 2016. The French prosecutor stated that investigations revealed the Disneyland “marriage” was “a fictitious ceremony intended to be filmed privately.”
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2016 | Jacky Jhaj convicted of sexual activity with two 15-year-old girls in the UK. |
| June 2025 | Jhaj arrested at Disneyland Paris for allegedly staging a mock wedding with a child. |
| June 2025 | Jhaj charged with money laundering and fraud in France. |
The Broader Context of Child Exploitation
cases like this highlight the ongoing global issue of child exploitation and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals. According to the United Nations Sustainable development Goals, combating child exploitation is a critical component of ensuring the safety and well-being of children worldwide. Increased awareness and stricter regulations are essential to prevent such incidents from occurring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What measures are in place to prevent similar incidents at Disneyland Paris?
Disneyland Paris has filed a legal complaint and is likely reviewing its security protocols and vetting processes for private events to prevent future incidents.
What support is being provided to the ukrainian child involved?
Authorities have stated that the child was unharmed and was not forced to play the role of the bride. Further support details are not publicly available to protect the child’s privacy.
How can individuals report suspected cases of child exploitation?
Suspected cases of child exploitation should be reported to local law enforcement agencies or child protective services immediately. You can also contact international organizations like the UNICEF for guidance.
What are your thoughts on the security measures at large public venues? How can we better protect children from exploitation? Share your comments below.
