United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has arrested Iranian social media personality Farzad “Tony” Toutouni, popularly known as the “King of Instagram,” over alleged unlawful re-entry into the country and a lengthy criminal history.
The Iranian ‘King of Instagram’ Toutouni, 55, was arrested in Los Angeles on October 27, 2026, according to ICE. The agency announced the arrest on November 9, stating that the Iranian national would remain in federal custody pending removal proceedings.
The influencer, who reportedly has more than one million Instagram followers, built an online reputation around luxury cars, private aircraft, expensive properties, cash and provocative party content.
Here are seven important details about his arrest, immigration history and controversial online lifestyle.
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1. ICE arrests Iranian Instagram celebrity in Los Angeles
ICE officers in Los Angeles arrested Toutouni on October 27, although the agency publicly announced the detention on November 9.
According to ICE’s announcement, the Iranian national was living in the United States unlawfully following an earlier deportation.
The arrest has drawn attention because of Toutouni’s large online following and his extravagant social media persona.
2. Toutouni allegedly re-entered the US using an electric raft
ICE said Toutouni first entered the United States legally in 1983.
An immigration judge ordered his removal in 1993, but the order was not carried out at the time, according to the agency.
A second removal order was issued in 1999, and Toutouni was subsequently deported to Mexico.
Authorities said he later admitted returning to the United States illegally on or around April 4, 2011.
According to ICE, he crossed a river near Saint Clair, Michigan, using an electric raft he had purchased in Canada.
3. Authorities cite criminal convictions and arrests
ICE described Toutouni’s criminal history as dating back to 1989.
The agency said he had been arrested for criminal threats, criminal conspiracy, and possession and sale of controlled substances.
It also reported that he was sentenced to more than 16 months in prison for offences involving fictitious checks, grand theft, conspiracy, forgery, kidnapping, robbery and extortion.
These details were provided by immigration authorities as part of the explanation for his detention.
4. He built a lavish Instagram lifestyle
Toutouni became widely recognised online through his Instagram account, @lunatic_living.
His content reportedly featured luxury vehicles, private jets, expensive properties, stacks of cash and women in revealing outfits.
The influencer cultivated an image of extreme wealth and unrestricted partying, attracting more than one million followers.
His online persona earned him the nickname “Iranian King of Instagram,” which ICE also used when announcing his arrest.
5. His lifestyle included extravagant Burning Man celebrations
Toutouni recently attracted attention for posts showing him attending Burning Man, the annual desert festival known for its large-scale art installations, music and unconventional experiences.
According to reports, his campsite featured a custom recreational vehicle and trailer decorated with psychedelic designs.
He also reflected on the experience, saying: “I’m happy I experienced it, but it’s not something I would ever want to do again.”
The statement suggested that despite the extravagant presentation, he did not necessarily intend to repeat the festival experience.
6. Toutouni previously lived in a Hollywood Hills mansion
Before his arrest, Toutouni reportedly lived in a mansion in the Hollywood Hills valued at approximately $5 million.
His residence and social media lifestyle helped reinforce his public image as a wealthy influencer surrounded by luxury and celebrity culture.
However, his immigration history and criminal convictions have now placed him in federal custody.
7. ICE begins removal proceedings against the influencer
ICE said the Iranian ‘King of Instagram’ Toutouni would remain in its custody while immigration authorities pursue removal proceedings.
His detention follows the agency’s account of his previous deportation and alleged unlawful re-entry into the United States.
The arrest does not mean that every allegation mentioned by authorities represents a new conviction. His immigration case and any further criminal proceedings would be subject to the applicable legal process.
Conclusion
The arrest of Farzad “Tony” Toutouni has brought renewed attention to the Iranian influencer known as the “King of Instagram.”
From his extravagant online lifestyle to his decades-long immigration history, the case has attracted widespread interest.
ICE says he is now in custody pending removal proceedings, while his story highlights the contrast between his carefully cultivated social media image and the serious legal issues reported by authorities.
