17.5-year ban for driver who filmed himself speeding

A Brussels court has imposed a 17.5-year driving ban and fines of more than €25,000 for a social media influencer, known online as Adil Gofast, who laughed off the punishment on social media and posted new speeding videos just hours after the verdict.

Adil Gofast uses social media platforms Snapchat and Instagram to post videos of himself racing through Brussels at high speeds in rented cars, Bruzz reports.

The Brussels public prosecutor's office opened an investigation in May 2023 and, through an analysis of his Instagram account, found that the man had rented dozens of sports cars registered in Poland and Germany.

Adil B.H. had already been banned from driving six times before and was arrested in 2023. He spent two weeks in prison but was eventually released on bail.

In video reactions to the recent verdict, he emphasised that he “never ran anyone over” and that he “reads articles about people who do worse things”.

As part of the court ruling, Adil B.H will have to undergo medical and psychological tests.

The Brussels influencer said he viewed the verdict as “free publicity” and credits it with gaining more followers on Snapchat.

“They are judging me based on videos on social media,” Adil B.H. said. “I post those videos, yes, but that doesn't mean I'm behind the wheel.”

Several of the videos show Adil B.H. behind the wheel of the rented vehicles, reaching speeds of more than 250 km/h and performing dangerous manoeuvres.

“Life goes on, none of this changes anything,” Adil B.H. said in a recent video of himself speeding.

A new investigation has been launched since the videos were shared and the man is now being actively sought by police.