The YouTuber ‘Budda,’ named by the authorities as Kamil L., had built a massive 2.5 million following online with content centered around automotive themes and charitable events.
In mid-October, he was temporarily detained alongside four associates on charges of involvement in a criminal group accused of operating illegal online lotteries and carrying out fraudulent financial schemes.
The total amount of money involved in those activities is estimated to exceed 126 million złotys (€29 million).
The arrest sparked an outcry on social media, with supporters demonstrating both online and outside the jail where he is being held to demand his release.
Initially small, the protests have since grown, with larger crowds gathering outside other prisons in northwestern Poland, where other members of the arrested group are being held.
Videos of the demonstrations posted on social media show hundreds of fans chanting slogans like "Budda, we stand with you!"
Now popular Polish rap group Elita Kaliska has also spoken up for the online celebrity by recording a protest song demanding his release.
