Key facts
- Brussels' top prosecutor, Julien Moinil, is critical of the lack of resources to combat drug violence.
- Moinil stated that his demands for more resources have not been taken seriously.
- Brussels has experienced a recent surge in drug-related shootings.
- Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is holding a meeting with security services to address the issue.
- Authorities have seized €203 million from criminals and made numerous arrests since 2025.
Brussels' top prosecutor, Julien Moinil, has expressed significant frustration over the perceived lack of resources and political will to address the escalating drug-related violence plaguing the Belgian capital. Speaking after a new series of shootings, Moinil stated that his demands for increased resources have been ignored, leaving citizens vulnerable.
The city has recently experienced a wave of violent incidents, including an attack on a police station and multiple shootings in areas like Molenbeek and Saint-Gilles, some linked to drug-trafficking gangs. Moinil highlighted that innocent citizens have been caught in the crossfire, a concern he had previously warned about.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever is scheduled to meet with the country's security services. Moinil detailed the efforts made by his office since 2025, which include arrests of adults and minors, closure of stores, seizure of luxury vehicles, and penalties for drug users. Additionally, €203 million has been seized from criminals.
Moinil emphasized that his office is working tirelessly with limited resources, having received no additional funding despite the crisis. He argued that the €10 million in extra resources he requested was not excessive, especially when compared to the substantial amounts seized. He also called for stricter measures against undocumented and underage individuals involved in crime, viewing them as a cheap labor source for gangs. Furthermore, he advocated for better support for drug addicts, increased staffing for the federal judicial police, and enhanced international cooperation to target major gang leaders operating from abroad or from within prisons.