The mystery surrounding Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès, a fugitive suspected of murdering his family in Nantes in 2011, has taken a new twist with claims from social media influencer Aqababe, whose real name is Aniss Zitouni. On April 28, 2025, the prosecutor of Nantes, Antoine Leroy, publicly denied these claims, stating that no verifiable evidence has been presented to support the assertion that Dupont de Ligonnès has been located in Asia.
Since April 18, 2025, rumors have been circulating online that Dupont de Ligonnès had been found, following a social media campaign led by Aqababe. The influencer, who boasts over a million followers, launched a channel titled "Retrouvons XDDL" (Let's Find XDDL), calling on his followers to assist in the investigation into the family's tragic disappearance. This initiative has attracted more than 370,000 participants, generating thousands of tips and testimonies sent to a dedicated email address.
In a statement issued on April 28, prosecutor Antoine Leroy expressed frustration over the situation, emphasizing that no factual and verifiable elements had been brought to the attention of law enforcement or the Nantes jurisdiction. "Since March 18, 2025, a number of reports have circulated in the media and on social networks claiming that Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès has been located. Contrary to what may be indicated, to date, no factual and verifiable element has been presented to the Nantes jurisdiction or the police services that could attest to the reality of these claims," he said.
Aqababe has claimed to possess 3.3 gigabytes of data gathered during a week-long investigation, asserting that he has yet to share this information with the authorities. "We are on 3.3GB of data, a week of tracking, no sleep. I have to prepare everything and I will transmit it to them," he stated in an interview with RTL.
The influencer's investigation began as a light-hearted challenge from his lawyer, who suggested that with his extensive network, he could potentially locate Dupont de Ligonnès. "It started as a joke with my lawyer. He said, 'You have such a vast network that you could find Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès,'" Aqababe recounted. "I thought, 'That's such a good idea, let's go.'" This led to the creation of the social media channel where he actively engages with his followers, referred to as "Chipies," sharing information and updates.
Despite the excitement surrounding Aqababe's claims, the Nantes prosecutor's office remains skeptical. Leroy expressed concern that the influencer's actions could hinder the ongoing official investigation into Dupont de Ligonnès, who has been a subject of intense scrutiny since the discovery of the bodies of his wife and four children in April 2011. The prosecutor noted that the initiative could be time-consuming for investigators who must sift through the numerous tips generated by Aqababe's campaign.
On April 26, 2025, Aqababe shared a photo on social media of a man he claims resembles Dupont de Ligonnès, stating, "We have found XDDL." However, Leroy's statement underlines that no evidence has verified this claim. The prosecutor's office reiterated that the investigation into Dupont de Ligonnès remains active and ongoing, and they have not received any new leads from Aqababe.
As the situation develops, the prosecutor's office is wary of the potential repercussions of a public investigation led by a social media influencer. Legal experts, including Marie Fernet, have voiced concerns about the risks associated with amateur investigations. She highlighted the danger of mistaken identity and the potential for violence against innocent individuals who may be misidentified as the fugitive. Fernet referenced a past incident involving Guy Joao, who was wrongfully arrested in 2019 due to mistaken identity linked to the Dupont de Ligonnès case.
Aqababe's approach has drawn criticism, particularly given his controversial history, which includes multiple legal issues related to defamation and fraud. In January 2024, he was sentenced to four months in prison for making death threats against a television personality. His previous legal troubles have raised questions about the credibility of his current claims.
Despite the backlash, Aqababe remains determined to pursue his investigation, claiming that he has received substantial contributions from his followers. He insists that his goal is not to replace law enforcement but to assist in bringing closure to a case that has haunted France for over a decade. "After 14 years of judicial investigation, these new leads could potentially close this case," he stated.
As the search for Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès continues, it remains to be seen whether Aqababe's efforts will yield any tangible results or if they will merely add to the chaos surrounding this infamous case. The prosecutor's office has made it clear that any credible information should be directed to them, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated and professional investigation in resolving the mystery of Dupont de Ligonnès's disappearance.
The case of Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès is a stark reminder of the complexities involved in criminal investigations, particularly when they intersect with the rapidly evolving landscape of social media and public engagement. As more individuals join the search, the line between amateur sleuthing and professional investigation becomes increasingly blurred, raising ethical questions about the role of influencers in serious criminal cases.
