Casablanca (14/11 – 50). In a recent scan of the local left-wing press, an unsettling trend of pseudo-journalism was uncovered, aimed at manufacturing a scandal using the typical playbook of disinformation. The target? A concoction of conspiracy-laden narrative that blends elements of real-world controversies, celebrity gossip, geopolitical issues, and unfounded claims—essentially, an elaborate form of astro-turfing designed to mislead and create fake influence.
At the heart of this questionable journalism is Philippe Engels, a reporter who seems to have drawn inspiration from various disjointed and unrelated stories. The method is familiar: take an American scandal, such as Scientology, mix it with a Hollywood star like Tom Cruise, throw in a pro-Moroccan Sahara agenda, and stir in a Brussels police officer for added intrigue. This combination, when scrambled, results in a conspiracy theory with the unmistakable scent of a leftist smear campaign.
Engels, an alum of the OCCRP (Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project), appears to have set out to tarnish reputations with little regard for factual accuracy or journalistic ethics. His report, which intertwines these disparate subjects, quickly devolves into a fabrication that seems designed more to confuse and scandalize than to inform.
When we reached out to those mentioned in Engels’ piece—including representatives of the Church of Scientology, actor Tom Cruise, Moroccan officials, and individuals based in Belgium—the response was telling. None of the parties had been consulted prior to publication, and none had any connection to the claims made in the report. At the time of writing, none of these individuals or organizations had responded to inquiries directed at Engels or his office.
Confusion and Denial
We also contacted several of the individuals cited by Engels. Both Lahcen Hammouch, a prominent figure in Brussels media, and Edward “Eddy” Van Ryne, a former Brussels police officer, expressed confusion when asked about their supposed involvement in the story. Mr. Van Ryne, in a sharply worded response, denied any association with either the Belgian publication The Belgium Times or Mr. Hammouch. “I have no connection to either,” he stated. “And, frankly, I am disturbed by the lack of journalistic integrity in this piece.”
In the face of such blatant disregard for the truth, both Hammouch and Van Ryne have expressed intentions to take legal action. “I have no idea where these claims came from,” said Hammouch. “This report is utterly misleading, and all legal options remain on the table.”
Van Ryne, a man with a lengthy career in law enforcement and investigative ethics, shared his dismay. “In my career, I’ve investigated hundreds of ethics violations. I’ve never encountered such poor journalism,” he remarked. “The allegations are patently false.”
Van Ryne confirmed that he is now consulting with his legal team to file a formal complaint against both Engels and his editors, citing potential violations under European Foreign Influence and Media (FIMI) standards.
A Pattern of Irresponsibility
This incident raises broader concerns about the growing trend of disinformation campaigns, particularly within the EU media landscape. Such reckless reporting does not only undermine the credibility of the press but also places individuals and organizations at risk of reputational damage. The ease with which misinformation can be spread—especially when professional standards are ignored—has serious implications for trust in media outlets across Europe.
The case of Philippe Engels serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of pseudo-journalism, where sensationalism and poorly researched allegations are allowed to proliferate unchecked. It also highlights the importance of accountability in the media, especially when the consequences of false reporting can be far-reaching.