Acid attack on 79-year-old in Attenhoven: partner and two Hungarians arrested
Five years after an acid attack on a 79-year-old man in Attenhoven, three suspects have been arrested, including the victim's partner.
Three arrests five years after acid attack in Attenhoven
Five years after a serious acid attack on a 79-year-old man in Attenhoven in Flemish Brabant, three suspects have been arrested, according to vrt.be. An investigating magistrate in Leuven detained two Hungarian nationals, as well as the victim's partner.
On 28 May 2021, the man woke at approximately 22.50 when he heard his partner calling for help. When he went to investigate, corrosive acid was thrown in his face. The perpetrator fled immediately. The victim sustained severe chemical burns to his face and upper body; his partner was uninjured.
The Leuven prosecutor's office opened a judicial investigation for attempted murder and torture. However, the chamber of inquiry discontinued proceedings on the file in 2021. A new development followed in 2023, when international information exchange with Hungarian police services brought new elements to light.
The Federal Judicial Police (FGP) Leuven investigated these new findings. This led to two house searches and the arrest of two suspects in Hungary.
The first suspect, a 49-year-old Hungarian woman, was extradited to Belgium and brought before the investigating magistrate. She is suspected of attempted murder and torture. The chamber of inquiry confirmed her detention and extended it for at least one month. The second suspect, a 53-year-old Hungarian man, will be extradited at a later date. Further investigation will determine what role both Hungarians played in the events.
Following on from the operations in Hungary, the FGP Leuven carried out two additional house searches in Attenhoven. During these, the 56-year-old partner of the victim was arrested on suspicion of involvement in the attack. During the search, evidential material was found that will be subject to further investigation. All three suspects deny any involvement.
The investigation is continuing under the direction of the investigating magistrate in Leuven.
Source: Google News BE NL