The then 16-year-old boy was kidnapped in Eenmeilaan in Kessel-Lo. — © Google Street View
Kessel-Lo –
In an investigation by the Federal Judicial Police (FGP) Leuven into the kidnapping of a minor boy in Kessel-Lo on October 28, 2022, a 23-year-old Dutch man was arrested. The suspect is currently free on conditions in his home country pending extradition to Belgium.
On the eve of October 28, 2022, a then 16-year-old boy was kidnapped at Eenmeilaan in Kessel-Lo. A misunderstanding arose as a result of which the minor victim was forced to get into the vehicle from which the occupants probably wanted to deal cocaine. The victim may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. The minor was then forcibly kept in the vehicle and they drove towards the highway with the victim on board. During the journey, the victim’s mobile phone was thrown out of the car and money and other belongings were also taken from him.
Extradition
The teenager was tackled so hard that he suffered facial injuries. He also suffered a concussion and several minor injuries all over the body. The kidnappers drove with the boy to the Netherlands. Hours later, the victim was released in Utrecht, without money or his mobile phone. Thanks to a helpful passer-by, the boy was able to inform the home front about what had happened to him.
Under the leadership of the investigating judge, FGP Leuven conducted an intensive investigation in collaboration with the Dutch authorities. This investigation led to a search being carried out in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, on Tuesday, March 19. Incriminating evidence was found. On March 20, a 23-year-old man of Dutch nationality was arrested in the Netherlands. The Belgian authorities have asked the Netherlands for his extradition. The procedure is still ongoing. (MDT)