On February 27, 2025, popular autoblogger Ahmed Vengalbi, known as WENGALLBI, found himself facing serious legal trouble after being arrested for attempting to bribe traffic police in Moscow. The incident took place on Kutuzovsky Prospekt, where Vengalbi was driving under the influence and without a valid driver’s license, prompting police to intervene.
Witnesses reported seeing the black Lada veering dangerously close to the roadside barriers, which led to concerns and, eventually, police involvement. Following this dangerous maneuvre, the authorities pursued Vengalbi, who initially refused to cooperate with them. According to reports, when asked to take a breathalyzer test, he declined and instead attempted to offer the police officer 100,000 rubles—a move aimed at avoiding legal repercussions for his actions.
Vengalbi’s reckless behavior, compounded by his attempt to bribe the police, was captured on duty camera, ensuring the evidence of his misconduct was undeniable. When he placed the cash between the driver’s seat and the center console of the police car to seal the deal, the officer refused the offer and arrested him instead.
Authorities have taken this attempted bribery very seriously; the Investigative Committee of Moscow announced on their Telegram channel, "A criminal case has been initiated against the individual, who is suspected of attempting to bribe a public official as per parts 3 of article 30, part 3 of article 291 of the Criminal Code." These charges are quite serious and carry significant penalties.
At just 24 years old, Vengalbi has over 7.5 million followers on banned social media platform Instagram and more than 3 million on YouTube. His fame largely stems from showcasing luxury cars, daring driving stunts, and extravagant displays of wealth. This recent incident marks another chapter of controversy for Vengalbi, reminiscent of past incidents where influential figures engaged with law enforcement negatively.
This is not the first time traffic police have faced scrutiny over bribery-related claims. Recently, authorities detained officers from the Tyumen region for accepting bribes from motorists, which has sparked wider conversations about corruption within traffic enforcement across Russia. The cultural challenges surrounding bribes and their acceptance have long plagued the country’s legal and social systems, complicity embedded within the system making it difficult to root out.
Vengalbi's case may garner more attention not only because of his substantial digital influence but also due to the stark reality it presents about the intersection between social media fame and real-world accountability. Insights shared on social platforms often glamorize irresponsible behavior, leaving audiences torn between admiration and ethical consideration.
Following his arrest, Ahmed’s lawyer, Mikhail Musailov, refused to comment extensively on the matter yet confirmed his client is currently being held at the police station and the investigation is underway. Without additional facts released by the police or the Investigative Committee, the full scope of the situation remains to be disclosed. Legal representatives are likely strategizing the next steps for Vengalbi as he faces impending criminal charges.
The dynamics of social media influencers alongside law enforcement bring unique challenges. Some argue such cases may highlight the need for stricter regulations and accountability measures for influencers, who may think they are above the law due to their fame. Others believe it is merely reflective of broader issues of youthful rebellion and poor decision-making.
This incident serves as another reminder of the consequences negligent behavior can yield, especially for those who have considerable public following. The future of Ahmed Vengalbi hangs precariously as he awaits the legal repercussions stemming from his reckless actions, and the legal system's response may send ripples through communities and influencers alike.
Vengalbi's story, particularly his attempt to bribe traffic officers, shines light on the challenges of maintaining integrity within the increasingly public lives of online celebrities. While the social media world often lacks traditional oversight, the judicial system acts as the ultimate equalizer—even for the most popular figures.
Only time will tell how Vengalbi’s case progresses through the intricacies of the Russian legal system, but the public is sure to watch closely. Will this be another tale of scandal or will it become a turning point for accountability among influencers? One thing is for certain, the saga is bound to captivate both his followers and critics alike.