Brussels Prosecutor Urges Urgent GSM Jammers for Prisons Amid Drug Trafficking Concerns

Brussels' King's Prosecutor, Julien Moinil, has forcefully called for the immediate installation of GSM jammers in prisons, arguing they are essential to disrupt drug trafficking networks that operate from behind bars. Moinil stated that many shootings are orchestrated from within correctional facilities, highlighting a critical security gap. His plea came during a regional security council meeting where he directly addressed Minister of Justice Annelies Verlinden.

“

Many shootings are commanded from prison.

Moinil expressed frustration that the issue of GSM jammers was not included in the measures announced by authorities following the meeting. He emphasized that installing such devices would be relatively inexpensive, costing only a few thousand euros, and questioned why it was not being prioritized. "It was quite ephemeral," commented Olivier Maingain, mayor of Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, regarding the minister's response to the request. The prosecutor also requested increased staffing for the judicial police and administrative support for investigations, which was strongly backed by Brussels mayors.

While the federal government has implemented measures to prevent phones from entering prisons, such as drone and anti-throw devices, and is enhancing staff screening and visitor checks, Moinil contends these are insufficient. "We won't solve 10 years of laxity in six months," he noted, underscoring the deep-rooted nature of the problem. The practical reality is that mobile phones, including smartphones, are widely used by inmates, with 359 devices seized in Belgian prisons in 2024 alone. The prosecutor believes that once phones are inside, jamming their signals is the most effective way to prevent their use for criminal activities.

“

We won't solve 10 years of laxity in six months

The Minister of Justice has not provided a clear commitment to installing the jammers, leaving the situation unresolved. This lack of decisive action contrasts with the prosecutor's urgent appeals and the support from local mayors, who applauded Moinil's intervention. The ongoing debate highlights the complex challenges in combating organized crime that extends into the prison system, where illicit communication continues to fuel violence on the streets.

“

It was quite ephemeral