Two years in prison demanded for receiving stolen jewelry and possession of illegal fireworks (Antwerp)

On Wednesday, the Public Prosecution Service demanded two years in prison against two Dutch brothers who are being prosecuted for fencing and violations of the explosives law. They were caught during a police check with stolen jewelry and illegal fireworks in their car.

The Antwerp police held a campaign against drug nuisance on October 7, 2023. She checked a Volkswagen Polo with Dutch license plates and found ten pieces of cobra fireworks in it. There were also jewels in a hidden room. Tareq A. had 550 euros in cash in his pocket, Ziad A. 50 euros. They claimed they came shopping, but could not provide an explanation for the jewelry.

The Dutch police, who were also present at the action, posted photos of the jewelry on their social media channels. A lady from Capelle aan den IJssel recognized the jewels and said they had been stolen. Tareq A. admitted in a re-examination that he had been instructed to have the jewels valued in Antwerp. He denied that the fireworks were intended for an attack.

Photos of jewelry, money and weapons were found in one of the defendants’ cell phones, which, according to the prosecutor, indicated that they were engaged in shady practices. She requested two years in prison for each of the defendants. The brothers’ lawyers did not dispute the charges. Their clients were not present because they are in jail in the Netherlands.

Verdict on May 22.