ANTWERP, Feb 04(Imran Saqib Ch/Correspondent LP) — The Criminal Court in Mechelen (Antwerp Province) has sentenced two brothers to ten years in prison for orchestrating an extensive phishing network that defrauded victims of at least €171,000. The pair, who have previous convictions for drug offences and online fraud, led a seven‑member gang that included their parents and younger brother.
Investigators found that the group sent deceptive text messages urging recipients to confirm bank details via fraudulent links. The messages referenced supposed issues with the itsme digital ID app or urgent notifications from the victims’ banks. Once inside the accounts, the fraudsters raised withdrawal and transfer limits before siphoning funds into their own accounts. The stolen money was used to purchase luxury goods and electronics, later resold for profit.
‘Ruthless and without conscience’
Prosecutor Catherine Van de Heyning described the brothers as “ruthless” and “devoid of any conscience,” calling the case one of the most serious online fraud operations ever handled by the court. She noted that the pair targeted elderly victims, stealing pension payments from people in the final years of their lives.
The court heard that the brothers coerced their younger sibling into participating and involved their parents and two friends in the scheme. “The two accused pose a particularly serious threat to the public,” Van de Heyning said. “They have no scruples and have even threatened minors, including their own brother.”
Electronic tag removed, suspects now abroad
One of the brothers had been extradited from Spain but was placed under electronic monitoring rather than held in custody. He continued offending, later removing his electronic tag and fleeing to Morocco, where he is believed to be with his brother. Arrest warrants have been issued for both men.
Heavy penalties for all involved
Given the scale of the fraud and the number of victims, the court imposed ten‑year prison terms and €80,000 fines on each brother. Authorities have confiscated the proceeds of the crimes, including luxury items and electronic devices purchased with stolen funds. Their parents and younger brother also received custodial sentences for their roles in the operation.
