Are these Mafia groups threat to local citizens of Belgium in their daily lives? Any example or recent stories
Introduction
FAF review
Is Belgium heaven or hell?
Our in depth review and talking to local residents, we believe Belgium has a very dark past and history which is evolving with drug trade managed by Moroccan and Albanian cartels.
Yes, mafia groups pose a significant threat to local citizens of Belgium in their daily lives.
Recent events and statistics demonstrate the escalating violence and impact on public safety
Violence and Public Safety
In January 2023, an eleven-year-old girl was killed in Antwerp when her family’s home was shot at, likely due to gang-related violence.
Gun crime in Brussels has been skyrocketing in recent months, with violence spreading to neighborhoods long considered safe and quiet.
In 2023, seven people were killed and 131 injured in Brussels in drug-related violence.
On January 23, 2025, in the late morning hours, a 22-year-old female resident of Bruges was the victim of an assault. According to family members, a group of young Albanian men were loitering on the street, intending to make unwelcome advances toward her and her friend. When she did not respond to their overtures, one individual from the group allegedly pulled her hair and forcefully pushed her against a rock, causing injury to her head. The assailant fled the scene, and the victim was promptly transported to the hospital, where she is currently receiving medical treatment. Law enforcement officials arrived at the hospital to take her statement; however, there have been no further updates on the investigation at this time.
It seems Belgium police is also helpless as these Albanian and Moroccan cartels are dangerous and well connected. Many such crimes get un-noticed or not reported due to lack of support of community.
Drug Trafficking and Its Impact
The port of Antwerp has become a major hub for drug trafficking, leading to increased violence and corruption in the area.
Brussels is becoming a new drug trafficking hub, with authorities blaming the trend towards ultra-violence on a new generation of traffickers from the French city of Marseille.
Drug dealers quickly return to their territories after police operations, frustrating local residents and creating a feeling of impunity.
Threats to Law Enforcement and Justice System
In November 2024, an investigative judge from Antwerp was forced into hiding after receiving threats from drug mafia members.
The Belgian Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo, has acknowledged that the situation is “critical” due to the state of narco-terrorism.
Impact on Daily Life
The Saint-Gilles district in Brussels has been described as a “drugs drive-in,” with dealers disrupting the lives of residents and shop owners.
The increasing spread of crack cocaine and open dealing in some central neighborhoods has exacerbated petty theft, fights, and harassment of tourists.
Conclusion
These examples illustrate that mafia groups, particularly those involved in drug trafficking, pose a real and present danger to Belgian citizens, threatening public safety, corrupting institutions, and disrupting daily life in various neighborhoods.
