The long-awaited drugs trial involving key figure Frank “De Tank” V. began on Thursday at the Antwerp Correctional Court, focusing on drug shipments from 2015 and 2016.
The trial experienced delays due to a series of legal challenges and rejected requests for recusal, having been originally scheduled for 2022.
One cause for the delay is the alleged involvement of Nordin E.H., also known as “Dikke Nordin van den Dam.” He was extradited last year from the United Arab Emirates to Belgium, although not specifically for this case.
His involvement will be addressed in a separate trial at a later date. Dikke Nordin is suspected to be one of the masterminds behind the drug operations, along with Ermir 'Cinco' N., who remains at large.
Frank V., accused of organising the cocaine shipments, is present at the trial.
In total, 24 defendants are standing trial on Thursday, extending over three designated court days.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has already requested a nine-year prison sentence for Frank V., dating back to February 2022.
