Efficient investigations into a mobile organised crime group

10 December 2015

Over a two-year period, the Federal Judicial Police of Leuven conducted investigations into a criminal organisation. The suspects were mainly Albanians. This mobile organised crime group committed hundreds of domestic burglaries and aggravated thefts, numerous cigarette thefts and engaged in receiving goods. The criminals did not hesitate to use violence and also trafficked drugs.

An intensive and smooth cooperation with the Albanian authorities was set up. This resulted in house searches, seizures and arrests that were carried out in Albania simultaneously.

In 2015, 46 suspects were brought before the Court of First Instance of Leuven, which sentenced them to 64 years’ imprisonment in total (from 1 month to 5 years). Substantial sums, immovable goods and vehicles were confiscated. The court imposed fines amounting to EUR 92,050 in total and the payment of EUR 275,407 in legal costs.