Firearms violence in Brussels: prosecution demands tougher action against gangs
Around 170 firearms incidents have been registered in Brussels since 2025. The prosecution has sounded the alarm and is demanding more resources to combat rival drug gangs.
Prosecutor warns: "Anyone can be hit by a bullet"
The Brussels prosecution has sounded the alarm over rising firearms violence in the Belgian capital. According to the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, prosecutor Julien Moinil called on Friday for more decisive action against drug gangs. "Anyone can be hit by a bullet," Moinil said. Recently, attackers in the city have repeatedly used automatic weapons – among other things, unknown individuals opened fire on a police station.
Since 2025, around 170 firearms incidents have been registered in Brussels, 69 of them in the current year alone. In the previous year, two people died in the violent attacks. According to Moinil's assessment, the majority of the attacks are turf wars between rival drug gangs.
The prosecutor is calling for the arrest of gang leaders, many of whom are believed to be abroad. Imprisoned leaders should also have no opportunity to coordinate further crimes from prison, Moinil emphasised. The police also need more resources for investigations into the organised groups.
Belgium is regarded as one of Europe's most important entry points for drug smuggling; the port of Antwerp plays a key role in this regard. Since 2025, around 350 bars and restaurants have been closed in Brussels due to suspected connections to drug trafficking. Furthermore, according to Moinil, the authorities have seized around 3,500 luxury vehicles.
Source: Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung