In an investigation into gang formation, weapons possession, threats and vandalism, a large group of suspects were arrested last week during a series of 19 house searches in Belgium.
Last month, an investigation was launched into a video clip that was recorded on 14 October in Brussels' Marolles district, after the emergency number received several calls stating that a group of people were firing gunshots in the air.
"Based on the footage that was available, 16 suspects were identified, including five minors," the police said in a press release. On Wednesday 22 November, the Brussels-Capital Ixelles police zone carried out a total of 19 house searches, in collaboration with the Federal Police.
During the searches – in which almost 200 troops were deployed – 14 suspects were arrested. Two suspects spontaneously handed themselves in to the police shortly afterwards, and another two were also arrested for other offences.
Police obtained €18,180 in cash, 32 cocaine bombs, two kilograms of cannabis, ammunition for a weapon, four fake weapons, counterfeit banknotes, a machete, an electroshock weapon, several luxury timepieces, luxury clothing, about 20 mobile phones and police uniform items.
Nine suspects were then brought before the Public Prosecutor's Office; three of them were placed under arrest by the investigating judge, and two minors were transferred to a closed institution.
The judicial investigation is ongoing.
