Prosecutors at the Walloon Brabant Criminal Court on Monday requested prison terms of up to 12 years for members of an international drug-trafficking network uncovered through the decryption of Sky ECC communications.
Three suspects using this platform exchanged messages revealing extensive cannabis and cocaine trafficking operations between the Netherlands, Walloon Brabant, and Brussels, with a storage site located in Feluy.
According to the case file, this operation generated a turnover of €1.6 million per month from 2019 to 2022.
Network distribution points were set up in Wavre, Nivelles, Ottignies, and Rhode-Saint-Genèse, with the drugs being purchased, packaged, and resold in batches amounting to tens of kilogrammes each.
Eleven defendants have been summoned before the Walloon Brabant criminal court.
Akim A, born in 1985 and without a known address in Belgium, is suspected of being the network leader. Other defendants include associates, delivery drivers using sublet cars, chauffeurs, sellers, and people storing drugs in exchange for payment.
Those who appeared in court on Monday attempted to downplay their roles or deny involvement in the trafficking.
A 12-year prison sentence has been requested for the alleged leader. The prosecution is also seeking two 10-year sentences, one of seven years, and two of five years. The confiscation of more than €11 million from the organisation has also been requested.
The defence lawyers were not heard on Monday. They are scheduled to present their case at a hearing on 16 June.
