Brussels YouTuber YaNike has been referred to the Criminal Court after throwing buckets containing various substances at passengers on the Brussels Metro, the Brussels Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old YaNike (Y.N.) first made headlines in late 2023 for performing pranks against unsuspecting members of the public.
Several videos showed him pouring buckets of filth over two innocent metro passengers. Following a complaint by STIB/MIVB, a judicial investigation was launched, leading to the YouTuber’s arrest on 3 January 2024.
He was released by the advisory chamber a few days later, on 8 January, under strict conditions. However, after his release, new videos surfaced on YouTube, depicted him repeating similar acts on the street – targeting mostly vulnerable individuals.
On 27 August 2024, police officers searched him and discovered two tear gas canisters in his possession.
An investigating judge then decided to charge him with several offences, including violating imposed conditions, insulting treatment, disorderly conduct, possession of prohibited weapons, voluntary assault and battery, destruction of public property, and distributing substances that appear dangerous, subsequently placing him under arrest.
YaNike has been in preventive detention at Haren prison since then. Last Friday, the advisory chamber decided to send him to the criminal court. The trial date is yet to be announced.
