Wilrijk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Three suspects in their twenties were arrested in Wilrijk following a kidnapping and attempted extortion case, triggering a major police investigation.
On Monday, they allegedly forcibly kidnapped a man, age 22, and brought him to a Linkeroever parking lot in order to demand money. The man was hurt in multiple ways.
Rupel police in Belgium were notified on Monday that someone had been dragged against their will into a car close to Boomsesteenweg. Their research soon brought them to Linkeroever’s Park and Ride (P+R).
After being found inside the vehicle, the injured victim was transported to the hospital. In the parking lot, three individuals were taken into custody. They are two 24-year-old guys, a 21-year-old man, and three men in their twenties.
The cops questioned them. Following additional examination of the car, officers also discovered a significant quantity of cash and police bracelets.
The three males, who are originally from Antwerp and Lier, have been arrested by the investigating magistrate on suspicion of attempted kidnapping and extortion. They appeared before the investigating judge on Tuesday afternoon and were familiar with the law. On Friday, the presiding judge will make a decision regarding their continued detention.
What measures are local authorities taking to prevent such crimes from occurring again?
Local authorities are implementing a range of measures to prevent crimes such as kidnapping and extortion, focusing on enhanced collaboration, technology deployment, community engagement, and proactive policing strategies.
Recent initiatives in crime prevention emphasize the importance of united efforts involving law enforcement, public sector agencies, and community stakeholders to build resilient defenses against criminal activity.
A foundational approach involves strengthening cooperation between local police forces and financial institutions, especially in combating crimes with financial aspects such as extortion.
Events like the Financial Crime Prevention Summit 2025 highlight the value of sharing intelligence and fostering partnerships across sectors to anticipate and disrupt criminal schemes before they escalate.
