Connect with us

Crime

Somali pirate leader arrested in Belgium 'sting'

SHARE:

Published

13 years ago

on

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. You can unsubscribe at any time.

pirate2A man alleged to be one of Somalia's most influential pirate leaders has been arrested in Belgium. Mohammed Abdi Hassan, also known as Afweyneh or Big Mouth, was detained at Brussels international airport on Saturday after a sting operation. Undercover agents had persuaded the Somali and an associate that they wanted to make a documentary about their pirate exploits. Mr Abdi Hassan now faces criminal charges, including hijacking. Prosecutors believe that the Somali was behind the seizure of a Belgian ship in 2009 - Hassan is also charged with kidnapping the ship's crew and with belonging to a criminal organisation.  

In January, Hassan was reported to have said that he had renounced crime after eight years in the piracy business.

However, Belgian authorities say he made millions from his illegal activities, and will be held responsible.

Belgian vessels have in the past taken part in international missions against piracy on the high seas off Somalia.

In a UN report leaked last year, it was alleged that Afweyneh was "one of the most notorious and influential leaders of the Hobyo-Harardhere Piracy Network".

 

Advertisement

Share this article:

Share this:
Related Topics:
EU Reporter publishes articles from a variety of outside sources which express a wide range of viewpoints. The positions taken in these articles are not necessarily those of EU Reporter. Please see EU Reporter’s full Terms and Conditions of publication for more information EU Reporter embraces artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance journalistic quality, efficiency, and accessibility, while maintaining strict human editorial oversight, ethical standards, and transparency in all AI-assisted content. Please see EU Reporter’s full A.I. Policy for more information.
Advertisement

Trending