Othman El Ballouti, a key figure in Antwerp’s drug trade, has been arrested in Dubai, according to Belgian media. His capture is seen as a major breakthrough in efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking networks.
El Ballouti, known as “El Patron,” had been sentenced to seven years in absentia for his involvement in trafficking 840 kilograms of cocaine. He is also connected to an 11-ton shipment of cocaine seized in 2021. His arrest followed intelligence gathered from the Sky ECC communications breach, which exposed numerous global drug networks, including those tied to Antwerp.
Antwerp drug lord Othman El Ballouti arrested in Dubai https://t.co/WxCEJ4nEnE#FlandersNewsService #Belga #Antwerp #Drugs #UAE
— Belga News Agency_English (@Belga_English) December 3, 2024
Beyond his criminal activities, El Ballouti is the uncle of Firdaous, an 11-year-old girl who was killed in a gang-related shooting in Antwerp last year. His two brothers are also facing trial for drug-related charges, with prosecutors seeking 20-year sentences for the group.
El Ballouti has long claimed that his 7.5 million-euro property portfolio in Dubai comes from a legitimate luxury watch business. However, Belgian authorities have expressed skepticism about these claims, suspecting his wealth is linked to his criminal enterprises.
This arrest comes amid heightened cooperation between the United Arab Emirates and Belgium in tackling international drug trafficking. Earlier this year, another Antwerp drug trafficker, Nordin El Hajjioui, was extradited to Belgium. Belgian officials are now awaiting confirmation of El Ballouti’s extradition, which is expected under a 2021 treaty between the two nations.
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