United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) apprehended 55-year-old Iranian national Farzad “Tony” Toutouni in Los Angeles on October 27, following an unlawful border crossing from Canada and a criminal history spanning several decades. Toutouni, who maintained a high- profile online presence under the moniker “King of Instagram,” resided in a multi-million dollar property in the Hollywood Hills while evading federal immigration authorities.
Federal investigators revealed that Toutouni's criminal background in the United States dates back decades, encompassing serious charges such as kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, and drug offenses. Despite multiple deportation orders issued by immigration judges, he repeatedly found ways to re-enter the country unlawfully and continue his activities.
What led to the arrest of the social media personality?
Authorities stated that Toutouni initially arrived in the US legally in 1983 before accumulating numerous arrests for criminal threats, forgery, grand theft, and passing fictitious checks, which eventually earned him a federal prison sentence exceeding 16 months. Following deportation orders in both 1993 and 1999—the latter resulting in his removal to Mexico—he covertly returned.
According to ICE documentation, Toutouni crossed the border near Saint Clair, Michigan, around April 4, 2011, navigating a river on an electric raft purchased in Canada. While eluding law enforcement, he cultivated an extravagant online persona, frequently showcasing luxury items, high-end parties, and gatherings like the Burning Man festival on his social media accounts.
What are the next legal steps for Toutouni?
Presently, Toutouni remains detained in federal custody as immigration officials actively advance removal proceedings to deport him from the United States.