Brussels police raided 19 premises last Wednesday as part of an investigation into gangland activities and illegal weapons’ possession. The result was impressive: 18 arrests and several suspicious items were seized. This major operation by Brussels police followed the emergence of a controversial video clip recorded in the Marollen neighbourhood in mid-October. The clip featured a group of masked men and a child with a gun.
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Police launch major operation after controversial music video in Brussels
Colin Clapson
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On 14 October Brussels police received several emergency calls about a group of people shooting in the air in the Brussels Krakeelstraat. Images later circulated on social media showing masked men, as well as a Palestinian flag and a little boy waving a weapon. This turned out to be an airsoft weapon, i.e. a non-firearm or fake weapon.
The images were shared on X and criticised by several politicians. Afterwards, however, the footage turned out to have nothing to do with the attack in Brussels, which happened a few days after the recording. It wasn’t a pro-Palestinian demonstration either but turned out to be connected to the recording of a music video by Brussels rapper 7.62.
Regardless, police launched an investigation into gang membership, weapons' possession and threats. Based on the footage, 16 suspects were identified, including five minors. Last Wednesday then, Brussels police, in cooperation with the federal police, carried out 19 house searches. Nearly 200 officers were deployed in all.
Result
Sixteen suspects were arrested during the searches. Two other suspects came forward of their own accord not much later. Three suspects remain in custody. Two minors were transferred to a closed young offenders' institution.
During the searches, investigators also found a host of suspicious items that were all seized. These included over 18,000 euros in cash, 32 packs of cocaine, ammunition for a gun, four fake guns, a machete and items belonging to police uniforms.