Plastic Waste
Self-taught engineer Julian Brown develops innovative microwave reactor to turn plastic into fuel. Photo Credit: Freepik

Julian Brown, the 21-year-old inventor who vanished after posting alarming messages about being 'under attack,' is safe and unharmed, his mother has confirmed.

Atlanta Police have verified that no missing persons report was filed for the young entrepreneur who developed Plastoline, whose sudden disappearance from social media triggered worldwide concern and speculation.

Plastoline is a technology that converts plastic waste into usable fuels, such as gasoline and diesel.

Mother Speaks Out: 'Julian Is Safe'

Nia Brown, the inventor's mother, confirmed to the Daily Mail that her son is safe but declined to elaborate on his whereabouts, citing safety concerns. The confirmation comes after Brown's cryptic Instagram video, in which he pleaded with followers to 'screen record this' while claiming he was 'certainly under attack' and couldn't reveal details.

The Atlanta Police Department's confirmation that no missing persons report exists suggests the situation remains under family control.

The Posts That Raised Alarm

On July 9, 2025, Brown posted a video on Instagram stating, 'Something is happening, keep me in your prayers please. SCREEN RECORD THIS. I don't know.'

He added, 'I'm certainly under attack... I can't go into so much detail.' Days before, he claimed a 'secret helicopter' had located him in a remote area.

Who Is Julian Brown? The Inventor Behind Plastoline

Originally from metropolitan Atlanta, Julian Brown is an energy engineer and self-taught inventor known for his efforts to convert plastic waste into fuel using a microwave-powered reactor.

He founded the start-up NatureJab and amassed a large social media following across platforms, including Instagram and TikTok (with over 1 million followers each), for his experiments and DIY fuel station prototypes.

In interviews, including one with Canvas Rebel in late 2024 and another with Forbes in early 2025, Brown explained the motivation behind his work: a desire to tackle plastic pollution with scalable, continuous microwave pyrolysis technology, an approach still rare in industrial settings.

He described his mission clearly: 'To date, there is a very niche application of microwave pyrolysis technology at any industrial and continuous operation scales - that is my goal and mission.'

The Fear of 'Corporate Interests'

Brown's invention, Plastoline, has been hailed as a breakthrough in environmental technology. The device uses microwave pyrolysis to convert plastic waste into clean-burning fuel, offering a potential solution to the global plastic pollution crisis.

The Plastoline device promised a scalable solution to plastic pollution whilst producing clean-burning fuel—a dual environmental benefit that attracted significant attention from sustainability advocates and venture capitalists alike.

Brown's technology represents a significant advancement in waste-to-energy conversion. Unlike traditional recycling methods, his microwave pyrolysis approach operates continuously, potentially revolutionising how societies handle plastic waste. Industry experts estimate that such technology could reduce plastic pollution whilst creating sustainable fuel alternatives.

Julian Brown Goes Missing
IG followers buzz with fears that big businesses may be targeting Julian Brown.

Social media posts tagging high-profile officials, such as FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, have circulated widely, with users urging federal investigators to step in, despite the absence of any formal investigation notice from authorities.

Instagram users shared screenshots of Brown's final video, accumulating millions of views as hashtags demanding answers trended globally. The speculation intensified when Brown's typically active accounts remained dormant for days.

Despite the family's assurance of his safety, questions persist about the circumstances prompting such dramatic measures. The lack of a detailed explanation has fueled continued speculation, with environmental activists suggesting that Brown's breakthrough poses too significant a threat to established petroleum interests.

What We Can Say—And What We Don't Know

While both family and police confirm Brown is safe, the exact reason for his sudden departure from social media remains unclear. The lack of public updates or verified location has amplified speculation, but no independent source has corroborated any kidnapping, injury, or foul play assumption.

His verified safety provides relief to his extensive follower base; yet, the enigmatic nature of his withdrawal continues to generate discussion about innovation, corporate power, and the challenges facing young inventors who disrupt trillion-dollar industries.

Whether this is a strategic retreat, a protective silence, or an internal family decision remains unconfirmed—only his mother's brief statement has been verified at this stage.

A Call for Transparency

While Julian Brown's safety is confirmed, the circumstances surrounding his disappearance remain unclear. The lack of transparency has fueled public concern and speculation. Many are calling for a full investigation into the events leading up to his vanishing and the role his groundbreaking invention may have played in it.

As Brown remains in undisclosed protection, his Plastoline technology stands as a testament to youth-driven innovation addressing the climate crisis.

Whether his temporary disappearance stems from genuine threats or strategic planning remains unclear, but the global response demonstrates public hunger for transformative environmental solutions.