A major trial targeting human trafficking operations led by the Afghan network “313 Criminal” has commenced before the Antwerp correctional court. A total of 31 suspected members are facing trial, reports Het Laatste Nieuws.
Hundreds of victims across night operations
Investigators established that the criminal network moved up to 150 refugees per night, exploiting over six hundred identified victims. Migrants were subjected to degrading conditions during transit, frequently crammed into car trunks to evade border security checkpoints.
Evidence submitted to the court documents systematic physical violence and sexual abuse used by gang members to enforce compliance and extort payments from victims throughout the smuggling route.
Prosecutors seek heavy prison sentences
The public prosecution service demanded severe penalties, requesting up to fifteen years of imprisonment for the three alleged ringleaders of the operation.
Defense attorneys representing the 31 defendants will address the Antwerp court in upcoming hearings before judges issue a verdict.
