Instagram reveals why Hushpuppi’s account is still active

Online photo-sharing and video platform, Instagram has revealed that Ramon Abbas, popularly known as Hushpuppi is free to continue using his Instagram account.

According to them, Hushpuppi has not violated any of the platform rules as he does not represent dangerous organisations or individuals.

The self-acclaimed Nigerian businessman has been in custody of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigations FBI for fraud related offences for quite some time now.

He had, however pleaded guilty since to money laundering and Internet fraud-related charges. Now, he waits to be sentenced in late October 2021, which could see him face a 20-year jail term if convicted.

Still, his Instagram handle remains active and Instagram has explained why this is so.

As per reports from a United Arab Emirates (UAE) based The National, Hushpuppi’s crimes do not violate social media laws, and therefore his account may not be closed, though he had a luxurious lifestyle online.

Instagram’s global team told The National that his account would only be blocked if “directed otherwise from the law enforcement in the US, where he awaits sentencing.”

Instagram said accounts are usually closed if they represent dangerous individuals or organisations, of which Hushpuppi doesn’t fall into.

The National says that Instagram has a well established process with law enforcement and a policy on “inmate takedown requests” in place for prisoners active on social media.

Abbas celebrated is 39th birthday on September 4, with his 2.5 million followers opting to mark it, despite his inactivity on the platform.