Drugs arrests double as new Brussels prosecutor takes tougher stance on crime

Brussels’ chief prosecutor Julien Moinil has completed his first full year in the job with a noticeable shift in the way the prosecutor's office tackles crime, particularly with drug related violence and violent crimes in general.

Moinil took up the position in January of last year, pledging a tougher, more active approach to long-standing problems in the city.

Under his leadership, the number of judicial prosecutions, arrests and charges has risen sharply as the office seeks to respond to high levels of organised crime and violent incidents.

Moinil’s strategy puts emphasis on visible results and a stronger judicial response to everyday offences, alongside major criminal investigations.

At the same time, violent crime has skyrocketed in Brussels with many gang and drug-related shootings rocking the city.

A key part of Moinil’s policy is the rapid handling of cases, including the use of quick trials for certain crimes and immediate monetary sanctions for drug possession and use.

Thousands of immediate fines have been issued, and new powers allow police to confiscate items such as phones and vehicles from drug users who refuse to pay.

Moinil has also pushed for a special division to target criminal assets, known as the ACP (Criminal Assets and Property Unit). Since its launch in mid 2025, prosecutors have confiscated more than €125 million in illicit assets, with a stated aim of disrupting criminal networks by hitting them financially.

The office has set an ambitious long-term goal of reaching €1 billion in confiscations by the end of Moinil’s term.

Although Moinil’s new system has led to increasing arrests, Moinil himself admits that many criminals may be adapting and changing their tactics to evade arrest.

“Their operation may become somewhat more complex, similar to the way fewer drugs are currently being seized in the port of Antwerp," he told Bruzz. "This may not be because there's less smuggling, but because the way they operate has changed.”

Drug violence and trafficking continue to dominate Brussels' security landscape. Police data show an increase in shootings and violent incidents linked to drug networks throughout 2025, proving the context for the prosecutor’s tougher approach.

Moinil’s firm stance has not been without controversy. He has faced serious threats from organised crime, prompting heightened security measures around him and his office.

Eight people were arrested in late 2025 in connection with a suspected plot targeting the prosecutor and other magistrates, reflecting the risks faced by judicial authorities confronting long-lasting criminal groups.

Despite the tougher prosecution strategy, challenges remain. Police and prosecutors have pointed to staff shortages and resource constraints that limit how quickly cases can be brought to court or investigated fully, especially in complex organised crime cases.

Moinil has publicly called for more support and structural changes to strengthen Brussels’ justice system.