Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
An anti-cybercrime community alerting the public.

Graffiti Artist Banksy Arrested In London; Identity Revealed

The arrest of graffiti artist, political activist, and long-time fugitive popularly known as "Banksy" in Watford England has been circulating the internet. The news which was broken by the satirical or fake news website NationalReport.net is a hoax. Banksy has not been arrested, in spite of the news report stating the contrary.

Advertisements

The Hoax: Graffiti Artist Banksy Arrested In London; Identity Revealed

London, England — The elusive graffiti artist, political activist, film director, painter and long time fugitive that for years has gone by the pseudonymous name of Banksy, was arrested early this morning by London’s Metropolitan Police. After hours of questioning and a raid of his London art studio, his true name and identity have finally been revealed.

In the news report it is alleged that the story has been confirmed by BBC (it hasn't) that the identity of the British street artist had finally been revealed and he is 35-year-old Paul Horner. He was arrested by London’s Metropolitan 24-hour Anti-Graffiti Task Force at his art studio. The article also claimed that City of London Police Chief Lyndon Edwards held a press conference to answer questions about Banksy's arrest (the chief did not make a statement and there is no one by the name of Edwards).

With further research it can be seen where this story is a hoax. If you look closely at both photographs the man posted as “Banksy” in the mug shot has an outstandingly dissimilar skin tone from the photograph shown when he was masked in the "arrest". London's Metropolitan Police confirmed on October 20, 2014 that they did not arrest Banksy and this story is not true.

Don’t be tricked by these websites who publish fake news for readers. Don’t believe everything you read on the internet.

Check the comment section for additional information, or share what you know or ask a question about this article, by clicking the 'View or Write Comment' button below.

Note: Some of the information in samples on this website may have been impersonated or spoofed.

Share this article with others.
Advertisements
Write / View Comments (0)
View on Online Threat Alerts (OTA)
Help Maintain Online Threat Alerts (OTA)