Officially, it is an “investigation for forcible confinement”. Following the incidents with firebombs in Antwerp, one of the families targeted by the attacks decided to set up “surveillance teams” themselves to protect themselves once morest the attackers.
The police suspect that one of these teams ended up getting their hands on two individuals before keeping them locked up in a place where they were tortured. After which, the victims were finally released. Photos and videos of the incident leaked on social media and in the press a few weeks ago.
According to the police, the suspects involved in this kidnapping case have been identified “thanks to in-depth investigative work”. On Wednesday morning, six searches were carried out in Berchem, Borsbeek, Deurne and Steenokkerzeel. Thanks to them, four men and a woman, all aged 20 to 31, were arrested. The investigating judge will decide on their placement under arrest warrant following having heard them.
