Bruges (Brussels Morning Newspaper): A 44-year-old man from Turkey was arrested in the Netherlands as part of a Belgian human trafficking investigation. Belgium has requested his extradition for further questioning. He is connected to a group that provides unsafe rubber boats for illegal crossings, which have caused at least 50 deaths this year.
A 44-year-old man of Turkish origin was arrested in the Netherlands as part of a larger investigation by Belgian authorities in Bruges. The investigating judge in Bruges has issued a European Investigation Order (EIO) to help EU countries work together in the case. This order allows for sharing evidence and conducting investigations across borders.
Will the Turkish suspect be extradited to Belgium in a human trafficking case?
The judge has asked for the suspect to be transferred from the Netherlands to Belgium. This extradition request is a separate process that aims to bring the suspect into Belgian custody, where he may face more questioning or charges. The Belgian public prosecutor’s office has confirmed the European Investigation Order (EIO) and the extradition request, showing how serious the case is and the importance of working closely with Dutch authorities to bring the suspect to Belgium.
Judiciary officials have arrested a suspect in a major human trafficking investigation. Griet De Prest, a spokesperson for the public prosecutor’s office, said this arrest is an important step in the case. The suspect is linked to a group that provides rubber boats, motors, and life jackets to traffickers. This group reportedly moves these items from Turkey to Germany and then smuggles them to the northern coast of France. Authorities warn that these boats and motors are dangerous for crossing open water. British officials report that at least 50 people have died this year while trying to cross the Channel.
