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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Fugitive' Belgian national arrested in Paranaque City -- BI

'Fugitive' Belgian national arrested in Paranaque City -- BI

Published Oct 22, 2023 10:23 am

A fugitive Belgian national, who has been wanted in his country for various crimes, has been arrested in Paranaque City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said.

The BI identified him as Kristof Debie, 38, "who had worked as a model and bar tender but was actually a part of a criminal organization involved in narcotics."

It said that Debie was arrested by operatives of the bureau's Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) at a hotel in Paranaque City last Wednesday, Oct. 18.

“He is the subject of an Interpol (International Criminal Police Organization) red notice issued in March of this year, requesting countries to locate and arrest him,” it also said.

It said: "A European arrest warrant was issued against him by the Court of First Instance of East Flanders, Ghent Section in Belgium, for multiple grave offenses, including the torture of minors, participation in a criminal organization, and serious drug-related charges in violation of the Belgian Penal Code."

Citing foreign news reports, BI said that one of Debie's crimes was cutting off an ear of a 17-year-old boy who lost a stash of cocaine.

Debie is now detained at the BI’s detention facility in Taguig City while awaiting his deportation.

"Fugitives are not welcome in the Philippines,” declared BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco in a statement.

“We are committed to upholding the law. We will not allow our country to be a safe haven for those who seek to escape from justice," Tansingco said. 

 

 

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