Somali pirate leader detained in Belgium

Alleged Somali pirate warlord Mohamed Abdi Hassan, also known by the nickname ‘Afweyne’ or ‘Big Mouth’, has been arrested by Belgian police at Brussels airport, various media report this morning. The United Nations considers Abdi Hassan one of the most notorious and influential Somali pirate warlords. He is suspected of being in charge of the group that in 2009 seized and held hostage the Belgian vessel Pompei and its crew. Abdi Hassan who was already charged with maritime piracy, was detained Saturday morning after arriving on a flight out of the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. Last year, Hassan announced his retirement from criminal activities and a possible foray into politics.

(RAPSI)