In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Belgium became a hotspot for UFO sightings, with reports of triangular craft dominating headlines.
One of the most iconic images from this period is a photo taken in 1990 by mechanic Patrick Marechal, which reportedly captures a triangular UFO with three red lights.
It was widely circulated and analyzed and was considered one of the most compelling UFO images of its time – until controversy unraveled its authenticity.
The image, captured in Petit-Rechain near Liège, was initially praised by UFO researchers. Marechal claimed to have taken two photos using a Kodak Ektachrome camera, although it turned out there was only one.
Analyzes by experts, including Professor Marc Acheroy of the Royal Military School in Brussels, suggested the object was real and solid, photographed in flight. Skeptics, however, expressed doubts and mentioned the possibility of a secret aircraft project or photographic manipulation.
In 2011, Marechal admitted that he had fabricated the photo using a Styrofoam model and flashlights. Marechal demonstrated how he created the image and highlighted the ease with which compelling evidence could be presented.
Yet the story took a different turn in 2024. Roger Stankovic, MUFON’s National Director for Australia and New Zealand, shared screenshots of a conversation with Marechal.
According to Stankovic, Marechal claimed he was paid to label the photo as a hoax, coinciding with the publication of journalist Leslie Kean’s book, which featured the image. Stankovic further claimed that Marechal confirmed the legitimacy of the photo.
The debate flared up again when journalist Steven Greenstreet criticized the use of the image in UFO discussions.
Just weeks after being caught red-handed promoting a fake UFO photo (and claiming false things about it), Lue Elizondo is now promoting another fake UFO photo during his for-profit speaking tour.
In 2011, the photo’s creator admitted it was a hoax. pic.twitter.com/QE48f9i9db
— Steven Greenstreet 🐷 (@MiddleOfMayhem) November 20, 2024
“The photo was debunked in 2011 by photographer Patrick Marechal. He did this on the occasion of the publication of Leslie Kean’s book, which contained a chapter and the photo in his book. I contacted him in 2022 when he told me he had been paid a large sum of money to debunk the photo.”
Stankovic countered, claiming the photo was real and that Marechal’s confession was orchestrated.
My communication with Patrick Marechal, the photographer of the Belgian Triangle UFO in 1990. He uses Google Translate from French to English, which makes it somewhat difficult to follow. However, he clearly claims the photo is real, and he was paid to debunk it pic.twitter.com/GccWHVtziD
— Roger Stankovic (@RogerStankovic) December 1, 2024
