A British man, Jacky Jhaj, 39, was arrested at Disneyland Paris for staging a mock wedding with a nine-year-old girl, and has since been charged with multiple offenses, including money laundering and identity theft. Jhaj, previously convicted in the UK for sexual activity with minors, organized the elaborate yet bizarre ceremony at the renowned theme park, deceiving both staff and over 100 hired extras who believed they were attending a genuine wedding.
This elaborate event was intended to be a faux marriage ceremony that included an orchestra, a sizable cake, and a picturesque backdrop of the Disney castle. Authorities were alerted when park staff noticed the “bride” was significantly underage, prompting a swift police response.
French prosecutors have indicated that Jhaj had disguised himself to alter his appearance and played the groom in this fictitious ceremony. The investigation into this incident has also led to a designation of “assisted witness” for a 24-year-old woman who was involved in the event.
The Ukrainian girl, who had arrived in France just days before the mock wedding, was reported to have suffered no harm, either physical or sexual, and was reportedly not coerced into participating in the staged event. The French prosecutor confirmed that the Disneyland Paris management had been misled, with Jhaj impersonating a Latvian national and using forged documents to secure the venue reservation for a hefty sum of nearly €130,000.
Furthermore, British police revealed that Jhaj was already wanted in the UK for breaches related to a sexual harm prevention order and a sex offender registration. His recent arrest has sparked further investigations not only into his actions but also into potential recruitment of others who aided in the deceitful planning of the event.
Disneyland Paris, known as Europe’s most-visited theme park, has since filed a legal complaint regarding the incident. The legal proceedings highlight the ongoing concerns related to the safety and welfare of minors.
This case emphasizes the critical nature of safeguarding vulnerable individuals and ensuring that events claiming to celebrate joyous occasions, such as weddings, do not mask harmful intentions.