Belgian Justice Minister Urges Crackdown on Illegal Trade Amid Anderlecht Shooting Concerns

February 18, 2025
Belgian Justice Minister Urges Crackdown on Illegal Trade Amid Anderlecht Shooting Concerns
  • On February 18, 2025, Annelies Verlinden, the Belgian Minister of Justice, addressed the recent shootings in Anderlecht, Brussels.

  • The latest shooting incident in Anderlecht has raised serious safety concerns, occurring despite an increased police presence and ongoing measures to combat violence.

  • In her remarks, Verlinden called for local authorities to intensify their efforts against illegal commerce and money laundering, particularly through small businesses.

  • She urged local governments to leverage existing legislation aimed at curbing illicit profits from operations like betting offices and hair salons.

  • Verlinden emphasized the importance of targeting the financial profits of drug traffickers, especially through avenues such as real estate and cryptocurrencies.

  • She stressed that discouragement should not guide authorities, advocating instead for proactive measures to combat violence and criminal activities.

  • To strengthen these efforts, additional judges and magistrates have been appointed to tackle illegal arms trafficking, alongside measures to prevent gang leaders from issuing orders from prison.

  • The Minister highlighted the necessity of apprehending the masterminds behind the violence to effectively address its root causes.

  • Verlinden criticized the Brussels Region for not doing enough to combat these issues, despite receiving significant federal funding aimed at enhancing security, cleanliness, and hygiene.

  • She pointed out that local authorities have not adequately utilized the resources available to them to combat illegal trade and money laundering.

  • In conclusion, Verlinden's remarks reflect a growing urgency to address the ongoing violence and criminal activities in Anderlecht.

Summary based on 2 sources


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