Two French nationals have been sentenced to 48 months in prison, with 37 months to be served, by the Bruges Correctional Court for around fifty thefts.
The accused used a method known as "shoulder surfing" to obtain PIN codes by watching over their victims’ shoulders before stealing their bank cards.
During the summer of 2022, the Bredene/De Haan local police reported numerous such incidents, where the offenders appeared to assist people at cash machines but were actually trying to record PIN codes, often targeting elderly victims. The stolen bank cards were then used for various purchases and withdrawals.
Investigators linked the group to approximately 50 similar cases of theft and computer fraud between May 2022 and August 2024, including incidents in Ostend, Nieuwpoort, Zele, Mechelen, Wavre, and Libramont, amounting to over €70,000 stolen. Surveillance footage helped police identify nine possible suspects, three of whom were recognised by French authorities.
Mohamed M., 33, was not new to such offences and faced a default sentence of 37 months for five crimes. Rachid E., 39, and Nicolas M., 43, faced four years each for over twenty offences, with Nicolas M. also involved in similar accusations in Aarlen and Gavere later in 2024.
Rachid E.’s defence contested claims of violence during an incident in Mortsel in February 2023, despite the victim stating they were pushed aside. Nicolas M.’s lawyer sought acquittal for the 2022 and 2023 cases, with both defendants hoping for a suspended sentence.
Ultimately, the court sentenced Rachid E. and Nicolas M. to 48 months in prison, with 37 months to be served, while Mohamed M. received 37 months effective imprisonment, as requested.
