Othman El Ballouti Extradited to Belgium From UAE
- Othman El Ballouti was extradited to Belgium from the UAE on Sunday.
- He was sentenced to seven years in Belgium for cocaine trafficking.
- El Ballouti is connected to an 11-tonne drug shipment seized in 2021.
- His capture was aided by intelligence from the Sky ECC messaging service.
- Two other men were extradited alongside El Ballouti on the same flight.
Othman El Ballouti Extradited From UAE to Belgium
The recent extradition of Othman El Ballouti, a drug baron linked to the Antwerp crime scene, has been described as a significant development in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking. El Ballouti arrived in Belgium from the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, accompanied by two other fugitives who were also apprehended in Dubai. This marks the culmination of a long investigation and highlights ongoing international cooperation to tackle organized crime.
Major Drug Trafficking Charges and Connections
El Ballouti, aged 37, is notorious for his involvement in large-scale drug trafficking operations that have plagued Antwerp. Previously, he was sentenced in absentia to seven years in prison for trafficking a shocking 840 kilograms of cocaine. His apprehension in Dubai last year followed international intelligence efforts, particularly information gathered through the now-disclosed messaging service, Sky ECC, which has played a crucial role in unveiling major drug networks across continents.
Coordinated Efforts Against Antwerp Drug Trade
The Belgian federal police confirmed that a special flight arranged by the Defence Ministry was instrumental in bringing El Ballouti and the other two men back home. Alongside El Ballouti, Giorgi F, 29 years old from Merksem, and 30-year-old Mathias A from Antwerp were also extradited. This operation was executed by the Fugitive Active Search Team, illustrating Belgium’s commitment to confronting its ongoing drug crisis, especially in light of notable incidents such as the tragic shooting that resulted in the death of Firdaous, the drug baron’s niece.
The extradition of Othman El Ballouti and his associates marks a significant achievement in Belgium’s efforts to tackle drug trafficking. With ties to large scale operations and previous convictions, their return to Belgium could lead to further investigations and impacts on Antwerp’s crime landscape. This case reflects a broader commitment to international cooperation in fighting organized crime through shared intelligence and strategic operations.
