BRUSSELS – In a controversial move, officers from the Brussels South police zone sought the assistance of known criminals to track down suspects in a 2020 drug-related murder case, according to reports by De Standaard, Het Nieuwsblad, and Gazet van Antwerpen.
The case revolves around the killing of 23-year-old Soufiane Benali, who was shot dead on the night of July 4-5, 2020, at the intersection of De Merodestraat and Orbanstraat in the Brussels municipality of Vorst.
Given the area’s reputation as a hub for drug-related violence, investigators suspected a vendetta within the local narcotics trade.
Instead of referring the case to federal authorities, the investigation was assigned to the local Brussels South police, particularly the Silva brigade, known for its in-depth knowledge of the district.
Criminals Enlisted in Police Operations
According to judicial documents obtained by De Standaard, three police officers contacted a trio of notorious local youths immediately after the murder.
These individuals, described as ‘bosses’ of the district, were infamous for their involvement in armed robberies and drug trafficking. One of them was reportedly under electronic surveillance at the time of the incident.
Official police reports categorized these individuals as “local informants,” but further investigation suggests they were given extensive leeway in conducting their own form of justice. Rather than serving merely as intelligence sources, the three were allowed to engage in a violent manhunt against suspected drug dealers.
Under police supervision, they physically assaulted other individuals in the neighborhood, seized smartphones, and gained unauthorized access to police files.
Electronic Surveillance Manipulated
Perhaps most shockingly, the electronic surveillance bracelet worn by one of the recruited criminals was deliberately sabotaged to facilitate his travel beyond Belgium. This enabled the trio to extend their so-called manhunt as far as Marseille, France, in pursuit of suspects.
Legal and Ethical Questions
The revelations raise serious ethical and legal concerns regarding police conduct in the Brussels South zone. The extent of the officers’ involvement in these unlawful activities and whether they had internal approval remains unclear.
The Belgian judiciary is expected to scrutinize the matter further, particularly in light of potential violations of legal procedures and human rights.
Public response to the news has been swift. Legal experts and civil rights advocates have condemned the use of criminals to enforce law and order, warning that such tactics erode trust in law enforcement institutions.
The incident has also fueled concerns about unchecked police power and possible corruption within local investigative units.
Ongoing Investigation
As the judicial inquiry progresses, calls for accountability are mounting. Authorities have yet to confirm whether disciplinary actions will be taken against the involved officers.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s Interior Minister has urged for a thorough review of policing methods to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
This latest development underscores the challenges Belgian law enforcement faces in tackling organized crime while maintaining ethical standards in their operations.
The case of Soufiane Benali’s murder now stands not only as a tragic example of drug-related violence but also as a potential turning point in the debate over police tactics in Belgium.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
