Nearly 120 drug traffickers received prison sentences on Tuesday in a gigantic legal case in the Belgian capital, which has become a hub for cocaine trafficking in Europe.
The Brussels court handed down its judgment in one of the largest drug trafficking cases investigated in Belgium: more than 120 men and women, convicted of drug trafficking offenses linked to a major criminal network which operated as far away as South America. South and Morocco.
The criminals were unmasked thanks to hacking and decryption of Encrochat and Sky ECC messaging services, which are very popular with drug traffickers. The police intercepted their messages for two years. The case highlighted the scale of drug trafficking in Belgium, with the port of Antwerp being one of the main European gateways for cocaine trafficking.
“Heavy sentences. They clearly wanted to set an example and I think that’s very clear. The question is of course whether it makes a difference. I don’t think we can currently say that the problem cocaine in Antwerp, Brussels or elsewhere in Flanders is resolved” said Kris Luyckx, defense attorney.
In total, 9 defendants were acquitted, 119 were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 14 months to 17 years. “The court also handed down confiscation sentences for several tens of millions of euros”specified a press release. This judgment is subject to appeal.
Leading gang members received sentences ranging from seven to seventeen years in prison, while other defendants received sentences ranging from fourteen months to fifteen years.
In addition to drug trafficking, the defendants were also punished for their involvement in acts of violence, extortion and kidnapping.