On February 26, authorities from Belgium and France successfully apprehended 12 suspected members of an organized crime group linked to armed robberies. Eurojust, the European Union agency for criminal justice cooperation, coordinated the operation, enabling swift collaboration between investigative teams from both countries.
The gang members were allegedly preparing to carry out heists targeting cash transports for banks, which, if not intercepted, could have led to significant financial losses and safety risks. Two of the suspects were identified as High Value Targets, with one notorious for multiple escapes from prison, earning the moniker ‘escape king.’ This raised significant alarm for both Belgian and French authorities, as their repeated travel across borders indicated potential criminal activities.
Following intelligence gathered by French investigators, they suspected these individuals were plotting yet another crime. By leveraging Eurojust's resources, authorities quickly established collaboration channels, leading to the formation of a joint investigation team. This initiative allowed real-time exchanges of information and evidence to coordinate actions effectively. Eventually, as part of this operation, Belgian authorities executed arrests late on February 26.
Alongside the arrests, both French and Belgian police conducted several searches within their jurisdictions, aiming to retrieve additional evidence and thwart the group's potential future activities. Various law enforcement units were actively involved, including the Paris Inter-regional Specialized Jurisdiction (JIRS), the Organized Crime unit of the Belgian National Police (OCCLO), and other specialized units from Brussels.
While authorities have made considerable advances toward dismantling this gang, investigations remain active, and officials indicate more arrests may follow as the inquiry continues.
On another alarming note, Belgium is grappling with a tragic criminal event involving elderly care. A 90-year-old man was arrested for allegedly stabbing two residents of a nursing home, causing their deaths. The suspect had previously been accused of murdering his 87-year-old wife with a hammer back in September 2021. At the time, he was deemed mentally unfit to stand trial and was placed within the nursing home for institutional care.
The brutal attacks occurred on February 26, when the elderly man reportedly used a small knife to strike two victims—both men aged 97 and 93. Local prosecutor's office officials confirmed the two men died on the spot, prompting swift emergency measures. A third resident, a 94-year-old woman, was critically injured during the incident and remains hospitalized.
Mayor Koenraad Degroote expressed his shock at the violence, and investigators have dispatched forensic teams to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding these assaults. Authorities are now closely examining the man’s transition from being treated for his previous crimes to the vulnerabilities evident during the recent stabbings.
Local officials and family members of the nursing home residents are devastated, grappling with the reality of the situation. “The opinion of the courts was clearly to institutionalize him,” said Degroote, emphasizing the belief earlier assessments reached about the suspect's mental state. With investigations still underway, many are left wondering how such occurrences could transpire within assisted living facilities aimed at safeguarding vulnerable adults.
This tragic series of events highlights the multifaceted issues faced by the elderly population, including mental health, care challenges, and the possible consequences of institutionalization—a dialogue increasingly relevant to society at large.
With both cases bringing to light the grim realities of crime and safety, Belgium continues to address significant concerns within its borders, balancing the need for justice with public safety and the well-being of all citizens.