In a dramatic turn of events, nearly 30,000 people have joined an Instagram channel dedicated to tracking down Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès, less than 24 hours after the announcement was made on April 18, 2025. This surge in interest is a significant moment in the long-standing mystery surrounding Dupont de Ligonnès, who is suspected of murdering his wife and four children in Nantes back in April 2011.
Aqababe, a well-known influencer whose real name is Aniss Zitouni, has spearheaded this initiative. With over a million followers on Instagram, he made a passionate appeal to his audience, urging them to share any photos, videos, or information that could help locate one of France's most wanted fugitives. "We're going to find him," Aqababe declared in a social media post, rallying his followers to assist in the search.
Aqababe's notoriety stems from his coverage of reality TV personalities and his controversial history with the law. He has previously faced convictions for making death threats and for defamation against fellow influencers. Additionally, he is currently under scrutiny with five complaints lodged against him for misleading business practices and fraud, as reported by Le Monde.
Despite his checkered past, Aqababe's call to action has sparked renewed interest in the Dupont de Ligonnès case. The man was last seen on April 15, 2011, leaving the Formule 1 hotel in Roquebrune-sur-Argens, carrying a backpack. His family’s bodies were discovered just days later, buried under the terrace of their Nantes home, leading to a nationwide manhunt that has lasted over 13 years.
In recent developments, Aqababe has indicated that Dupont de Ligonnès may have been spotted in Malta, with reports suggesting he could have traveled to the island of Gozo. This information adds a new layer of intrigue to an already complex investigation and has been shared widely across social media platforms.
"The investigation is underway, my friends worldwide," Aqababe tweeted, providing an email address for anyone with relevant information: [email protected]. His post quickly garnered millions of views, and the influencer has since opened a dedicated discussion channel on Instagram for amateur sleuths to share their findings.
In the past, the case has seen numerous false leads and sightings. For instance, in October 2019, a man mistaken for Dupont de Ligonnès was arrested at Glasgow Airport, but this turned out to be a case of mistaken identity. The search has also included DNA tests following reports of sightings, including one in April 2024 where an individual claimed to have seen him at a religious gathering in the Doubs region. However, DNA tests confirmed that the individual was not Dupont de Ligonnès.
The reemergence of interest in this cold case has reignited discussions about the possible fates of Dupont de Ligonnès. Some speculate that he might have taken his own life, while others believe he could still be living under a new identity. Theories abound regarding his potential whereabouts, with suggestions that he may be hiding in a monastery or even still residing in France.
Many on social media have expressed skepticism about the possibility of Aqababe succeeding where law enforcement has failed for over a decade. Comments range from disbelief at the idea that Dupont de Ligonnès could remain undetected for so long, to admiration for Aqababe's initiative. "For me, he’s dead... Even if he could have lived in hiding for a while... Not enough money to sustain a 15-year fugitive life," one user commented, reflecting a common sentiment among skeptics.
Others, however, are more optimistic, with some suggesting that the power of social media could lead to a breakthrough. "Imagine if it’s Aqababe who finds Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès," one user remarked, drawing parallels to other historical cases where fugitives were located thanks to public tips.
As the investigation unfolds, the combination of social media engagement and traditional investigative methods may finally bring closure to a case that has captivated the French public for years. The story of Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès remains a haunting reminder of the tragic events of 2011, and the public's enduring fascination with his disappearance continues to grow.
In a world where digital platforms can mobilize thousands, the potential for a new lead in this notorious case has never been more promising. With Aqababe leading the charge, the search for Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès is not just a personal mission but a collective endeavor that has captured the attention of many.
