Two years ago, six Dutch nationals were arrested for plotting to kidnap the then Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. But without sufficient evidence to prosecute them, none of the six will be charged.
On 22 September 2022, Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Open VLD) was given emergency police protection at his home in Kortrijk (West Flanders) when a tip-off suggested there was a plan to harm him.
The next day, he and his family were moved to a safe house following the discovery of a car containing bungee cords, bottles of petrol and firearms abandoned in a neighbour's driveway.
Three Dutch nationals – Abdellatif M. (41), Farzad Y. (22), Mohammed Y. (23) – were intercepted in the same car at around midnight on 22 September. They were arrested along with Leonard DS (31) on suspicion of plotting to kidnap the Justice Minister. Two more arrests followed soon after.
Het Nieuwsblad reported on Wednesday that all six suspects will no longer be charged with attempted kidnapping due to a lack of evidence.
Police in Kortrijk. Credit: Belga / Nicolas Maeterlinck
Will anyone be charged?
As Justice Minister, Van Quickenborne was the face of Belgium's fight against criminal organisations, most notably those involved in the lucrative drug trade which has taken root in the Port of Antwerp and spread across the country, bringing with it violent gang wars and a dire health crisis. His prominent role in the official response explains his targeting in this way.
The three men driving the car on 22 September denied any involvement in the attempted kidnapping throughout the two-year criminal investigation. The suspicions of "attempted hostage-taking" and "unlawful deprivation of liberty" have now disappeared from proceedings.
However, the Public Prosecutor still intends to charge the six individuals for the illegal possession of weapons and membership in a criminal organisation.
Following the revelation that the kidnapping charges have been dropped, Van Quickenborne's lawyer has requested additional information, although it is not clear about what. The request has not yet been approved.
