Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – In 2022, thieves stole 310 devices from Ghent’s IT service District09. Insurance covered the loss. Alderman Hafsa El-Bazioui led security upgrades. Some equipment later surfaced in Sweden.
As VRT News reported, 3 years later, in 2025, some of the stolen equipment from Ghent turned up in Sweden. Swedish police found the items during an investigation. This suggests a larger, possibly organised group was behind the theft. However, Ghent city officials aren’t getting involved. Alderman Hafsa El-Bazioui said the city has little information about the Swedish investigation.
Ghent doesn’t plan to ask for the case files. Because insurance covered the cost, and the equipment wasn’t highly sensitive, Ghent considers the case closed. The city is taking a practical approach, they’re interested in the international connection but don’t see a need to reopen a case they’ve already finished with.
How did the 2022 District 09 theft change security in Ghent?
In 2022, a theft occurred at the offices of District 09, the IT service for the City of Ghent. Criminals stole about 310 laptops, tablets, and other computer equipment. The thieves broke into the building by forcing open 3 doors and locks. Officials mentioned that they had detailed knowledge of the building and what was inside.
Most of the stolen devices were loaner laptops, which, although not brand new, still held considerable value. The city was insured for such losses and received substantial financial compensation soon after the incident. The city treated the matter as resolved and did not pursue further investigations on its own.
When the theft happened in 2022, Ghent’s IT service, District09, wasn’t in a city-owned building. They were in a privately rented office with less security. Alderman Hafsa El-Bazioui pointed this out, saying the break-in made the city rethink where to keep its digital services. After the theft, the city moved District 09 to a city-owned building.
After the theft, Ghent didn’t just move District 09; they improved security everywhere. They upgraded security in all city buildings, adding better locks and alarms. They also made rules about how digital equipment is stored and who can access it.
Officials mentioned that the goal was to prevent future thefts. While these changes have made the city safer, Alderman El-Bazioui said the theft shouldn’t have happened. She called it a mistake that showed weaknesses in their old security.
