Shootings in Brussels: Prosecutor warns of uncontrolled drug gangs
Around 170 firearm incidents have been recorded in Brussels since 2025, including an attack on a police station. The prosecution is calling for tougher action.
Brussels prosecutor calls for crackdown on rival drug gangs
Firearms attacks using automatic weapons are mounting in Brussels — most recently targeting a police station in the suburb of Anderlecht. According to n-tv, the Brussels prosecution has now sounded a public alarm. "Anyone can be hit by a bullet," said prosecutor Julien Moinil.
Since 2025, around 170 firearm incidents have been registered in the Belgian capital, 69 of them in the current year alone. In the previous year, two people were killed in the violent acts. Moinil holds rival drug gangs responsible for the majority of the incidents.
The prosecutor called for the arrest of gang leaders — many of whom, according to him, are based abroad. Furthermore, measures must be taken to ensure that imprisoned leaders of criminal groups cannot coordinate violent acts from prison. The police need more resources for their investigations, Moinil added.
Interior Minister Bernard Quintin responded to the recent incidents, saying he was "deeply shocked" by them. In addition to the shooting at the police station in Anderlecht, a person had previously been injured by gunfire. Quintin made clear that the authorities would not be intimidated: "We will never back down from our resolute action against organised crime and drug trafficking — quite the opposite."
Belgium is regarded as one of Europe's main gateways for drug smuggling, with the port of Antwerp as the most important distribution hub. In Brussels, around 350 bars and restaurants have been closed since 2025 due to connections to drug trafficking, according to prosecutor Moinil; furthermore, 3,500 luxury vehicles have been seized.
Source: n-tv