Former Mortsel Councillor Arrested in Drug Gang Investigation, Denies Involvement

Mortsel, Belgium – A former local councillor in Mortsel, Antwerp Province, was arrested on Tuesday for questioning regarding his alleged involvement in a drug gang, but he strongly denies any criminal activity, his lawyer stated.

The 27-year-old politician was released after questioning under specific conditions, despite the Public Prosecutor’s Office asserting there is substantial evidence implicating him in the case.

According to prosecutors, there are “serious indications” that he was involved in the export and transport of narcotics. The investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities also conducted a search at the Mortsel town hall as part of their inquiry. The timing of the arrest was notable, as the former councillor was set to be sworn in again as a municipal councillor on the same day.

Although he had not been re-elected in the October elections, he was scheduled to temporarily replace a fellow party member in the coming months. Due to his arrest, he was unable to take the oath.

Link to Sky ECC Investigation

The arrest forms part of a broader investigation linked to decrypted messages from Sky ECC, an encrypted communications platform used by criminal organizations.

The gang in question is suspected of being involved in the import, export, and transport of illegal drugs between 2020 and 2021.

Two other men, also in their twenties, were arrested in connection with the same case on Tuesday. However, both were released after questioning, authorities confirmed.

Defence Denies Wrongdoing

The former councillor’s lawyer, Jan Swennen, argued that his client had access to a suspicious account for professional reasons, but that this should not be considered criminal involvement.

Swennen emphasized that his client is fully cooperating with investigators and remains confident about the case’s outcome.

“My client has never abused his political mandate and has always carried out his responsibilities honourably,” Swennen stated. He also criticized certain media reports, arguing that they had unfairly cast doubt on his client’s presumption of innocence.

The defence hopes the judicial investigation will proceed swiftly to clear the councillor’s name. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has stressed that the case remains under active examination, and further developments may emerge.

Political and Public Reaction

The arrest has sparked reactions within local political circles and the community, as residents await more clarity on the investigation’s findings.

The case has also raised concerns about potential links between political figures and organized crime in the region, prompting discussions on reinforcing transparency and integrity in local governance.

As the legal proceedings continue, the former councillor remains under conditional release, awaiting further developments in the case that could determine his political and legal future.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members