Three suspects have been held in connection with the torture of a Dutch man found in February in Ravel with severe wounds, according to the Office of the Public Prosecutor of Antwerp.
Municipal workers in Ravel had found the 37-year-old Dutchman on 23 February on the Aa Valley cycle path. He had severe knife wounds and one of his fingers was missing.
The victim was rushed to hospital.
Police and the Office of the Public Prosecutor opened an investigation into abduction and torture, as well as drug use and abuse, and discovered a link with the drugs world.
A first suspect, a 23-year-old Dutchman from Lommel was soon held, on suspicion of abduction and torture, as well as possession and sale of drugs.
A second suspect, a 20-year-old Dutchman from Mol, was picked up on Monday while a third, a 23-year-old Surinamer, was held in Hasselt.
The 20-year-old has already appeared before the Turnhout Council Chamber and has been placed temporarily in a cell.
