An unusual and shocking event occurred last Sunday in Brussels, where the body of a 29-year-old man of Albanian origin was found hanging from the back of a signboard in the Anderlecht area, near "Westland Shopping".
The incident was confirmed by the Brussels Royal Prosecutor's Office, which announced that the death is being considered "suspicious" and an official investigation has been opened. Police, the Federal Judicial Police laboratory, a forensic doctor and an investigating judge arrived at the scene.
According to the prosecution, the victim was hanging from a cable on the back of the signboard. It is still too early to determine whether it was a suicide or a violent execution, however, investigators do not rule out a connection to drug trafficking.
Suspicions of involvement in gang warfare
The body was found in an area known as a strategic hub for drug trafficking in Brussels, not far from the city of Peterbos. Local media report that the method used resembles those used by Mexican cartels, which are known for macabre acts with warning messages to rivals.
A source close to the investigation said:
"If the link to drug trafficking is confirmed, Brussels will face a level of violence never seen before."
The director of the Federal Judicial Police of Brussels, Eric Jacobs, had warned months ago about the presence in the capital of the Marseille mafia, Albanian networks and gangs from North Africa, which use brutal methods: threats, torture and executions.
