Tervuren (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Leuven court sentenced a 61-year-old Tervuren resident to thirty months under probation and imposed a fine equivalent to 4,000 euros due to voyeurism and child pornography possession.
A Tervuren-based 61-year-old former lieutenant colonel received his sentence involving voyeurism with child pornography possession from the Leuven court. A court ordered 30 months under probation conditions and imposed a 4,000 euro monetary penalty on the defendant.
For three years, he filmed his underage stepdaughters in both their bathroom and their bedroom when they were not looking. The Ministry of Defence alerted law enforcement about suspected child pornography on his computer, which started the investigation.
Information from the investigation showed the man engaged in video recordings of his stepdaughters throughout 2017 until 2020. Evidence of the girls’ explicit photos in private areas enabled authorities to make his arrest. The trial happened behind sealed doors at the defendant’s demand to safeguard his former employer, the Ministry of Defence’s image. The man received a conditional prison term from the court that enables him to stay out of jail if he maintains control of his life as instructed. Additionally, he was fined 4,000 euros.
What is the history of child exploitation cases in Belgium?
Belgium has witnessed substantial growth in child exploitation and pornography cases based on official statistics that show increasing digital crimes targeting minors. Recent data from Child Focus shows that the Belgian organisation reported 1,500 cases of digital child abuse during 2022, marking a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
The case of the Tervuren-based former lieutenant colonel exposes the escalating danger of crimes occurring inside trusted family relationships. Belgium’s laws direct severe punishment toward these offences through imprisonment together with substantial monetary penalties.
The Ministry of Defence demonstrated leading action by reporting the suspect, which emphasises institutional responsibility as an essential element in fighting child exploitation.
