In the world of social media influencers, there is often more than meets the eye.

The Hulu series ‘Age of Influence’ explores the darker side of this industry, exposing scams and scandals that have affected influencers in recent years. 

One such case involves Amjad Mashal, a Wayne, New Jersey resident who found himself in a dangerous situation after crossing paths with an Instagram influencer, Mazini. 

Amjad Mashal was known for his friendly nature and willingness to assist others. His neighbors had no complaints about him, and he lived an ordinary life. 

Like many people, Amjad enjoyed expressing his opinions online, not realizing that it would lead to a dangerous situation.

Let’s dig deeper to know how online interaction in the world of influencers affected Amajd’s life. 

What happened to Amjad Mashal?

It all started when he started following an Instagram influencer named Mazini, also known as Jebara Igbarra. 

Mazini had gained fame for giving away cash to random people on the streets. 

He still faced legal trouble when the FBI accused him of running a scam involving wire transfers and swindling millions of dollars in Bitcoin from his followers. 

This led to Mazini losing a significant number of followers and contemplating a career change.

Upon learning about the charges against Mazini, Amjad took to social media and openly criticized him. 

His posts gained attention, which worried Mazini about his damaged reputation. 

Mazini decided to confront Amjad, claiming he wanted to talk things out over coffee.

However, things took a drastic turn when they met on March 15, 2021.

Amjad was forcibly kidnapped and forced into a vehicle.

Suspicious of Mazini’s intentions, Amjad escaped from the vehicle and fled in his own car.

Unfortunately, the kidnappers caught up with him, stripped him n*ked, and threatened him with a machete. 

They demanded that he remove all negative posts about Mazini and warned of further harm if he didn’t comply. 

Eventually, they dropped Amjad off in Passaic, and he sought medical treatment for the injuries he sustained during the ordeal.

The unexpected turn in Mazini’s arrest 

The police acted quickly and arrested Mazini a few days after the kidnapping. They also apprehended Mazini’s wife and another individual involved in the crime. 

However, investigators uncovered that Amjad had accepted a $100,000 bribe to provide a false statement in favor of one of the defendants.

Consequently, law enforcement arrested Amjad and charged him with bribery.

Additionally, authorities discovered drugs in his possession during the arrest, resulting in an additional drug charge.

Amjad has since been convicted of the bribery counts and an additional weapons charge, leading to a prison sentence.

As of 2023, he remains detained at the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack, New Jersey, with no information available about a potential release date.