Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A 26-year-old Belgian police officer from Brussels’ Intervention Brigade was arrested in Texas on April 16, 2025, for attempting to solicit a minor online in an FBI sting operation.
As VRT News reported, a 26-year-old police officer from Belgium was arrested in Texas on April 16, 2025. This officer worked for the Intervention Brigade (BTI) of the Brussels Capital/Ixelles police. The Brussels police have officially acknowledged the arrest of one of their officers in Texas. According to Ilse Van de Keere, the Brussels police spokesperson, the police department is fully aware of the situation.
In response, they have immediately begun an internal investigation. This investigation aims to thoroughly examine the circumstances and gather all necessary information. The purpose is to clarify the exact details related to the officer’s conduct.
Following the results of the investigation the police will determine the right course of disciplinary action or legal action. The steps they take will represent the normal process and practices used for the police force in these type of matters.
What led to the FBI sting?
The Belgian Foreign Affairs is also watching the case. They are working with the Belgian consulate in the United States. This is because the incident happened in Texas and involves a Belgian citizen.
Officials mentioned that they can’t share more details publicly because it’s a personal legal matter. Their main job is to help the person and make sure their rights are protected. They will respect the privacy of the investigation and legal processes.
The FBI caught that man in a sting operation targeting individuals seeking sexual contact with minors. The officer, originally from Limburg and living in Leuven, was in the United States. He used the internet to search for sex workers.
In his investigation, he encountered a false profile of a 14-year-old girl, made by the FBI. The FBI told him his actions were illegal and an arrest could happen. Despite this warning, he kept searching for minors online. Local police in Texas then arrested him.
If found guilty, he could go to prison for up to 20 years. The case has gotten a lot of attention in the US and Belgium. People are upset because a police officer is involved. Belgian officials will also investigate. The FBI set up an online trap to catch him. The FBI often uses these traps to catch people who try to exploit minors, including those from other countries.
