Dinant court: prosecution seeks 4 years against café owner accused of cocaine trafficking and pimping
A 48-year-old man appeared before the Dinant criminal court for allegedly selling cocaine and exploiting young women in his establishment. The public prosecutor requested four years in prison.
Dinant court: prosecution seeks 4 years against café owner accused of cocaine trafficking and pimping
A man in his forties appeared before the Dinant criminal court for alleged drug offences and sexual exploitation between 2022 and 2024. The public prosecutor requested a sentence of four years' imprisonment.
The defendant, aged 48, ran a café in the Beauraing region. He admitted to consuming cocaine during this period, as did his partner with whom he maintained an open relationship. The couple organised intimate encounters with other people and pooled funds to obtain the drug.
The magistrates nonetheless accuse him of going beyond simple personal use. According to the prosecution, he allegedly sold cocaine within his establishment and supplied it to young women in exchange for sexual favours, which constitutes pimping.
Before the judges, the defendant contested these accusations. He claimed that all relationships were consensual and downplayed the activities, explaining that under the influence of drugs, sexual relations were difficult. The prosecution highlighted that this version aligns with testimony collected from three young women questioned by investigators, which would reinforce their credibility.
Several consumers also stated they had bought drugs on the premises. The defendant denounces a conspiracy aimed at closing his café, arguing that his business "was causing problems".
His lawyer, Maître Corman, questioned the strength of the case. He recalled that searches carried out at the defendant's home, his restaurant and his café had not resulted in the seizure of drugs, suspicious cash, or material related to trafficking. Analysis of his computer and two mobile phones allegedly revealed nothing either. The lawyer denounced a biased investigation, emphasising that the young women had never filed complaints and that their statements, collected as suspects in the drugs-related part, presented uncertain credibility.
The defence pleaded guilty solely to personal consumption and requested a probationary suspension, citing the absence of prior convictions and professional failure already suffered. The judgment was adjourned for decision on 31 August.
Source: DHnet
Source: DHnet