A Belgian court has handed down sentences to more than 100 individuals involved in drug-related offenses, marking the conclusion of the country’s largest drug trial. This operation targeted a significant criminal network linked to drug trafficking from South America and Morocco.
The trial, which commenced in Brussels late last year, lasted five months and involved 129 defendants associated with various drug gangs responsible for the large-scale importation of cannabis and cocaine into Europe.
Key figures within the gangs received the harshest sentences, ranging from seven to 17 years in prison, while other defendants, including a former police officer, faced prison terms from 14 months to 15 years. Nine individuals were acquitted of all charges.
In addition to drug trafficking, many defendants were found guilty of related crimes, including violence, money laundering, extortion, and kidnapping.
Evidence from Hacked Communications
For years, members of these drug networks used the encrypted communication service Sky ECC, which was believed to be impervious to hacking. However, in March 2021, Belgian police revealed they had successfully infiltrated the platform, allowing them to intercept encrypted messages for over two years. This led to a large-scale operation, with raids conducted at 114 locations across Belgium in October 2021.
Defense attorney Kris Luyckx criticized the use of decrypted messages, arguing that their acquisition was not legal and could undermine the integrity of the justice system. He also expressed concern that the heavy sentences imposed might not effectively address the drug problems in Antwerp or Brussels.