Escaped prisoner extradited to Belgium after two-month flight

A 31-year-old Russian prisoner, who escaped from the AZ Sint-Jan hospital in Bruges two months ago, has been extradited back to Belgium. His lawyer, Randall Huysentruyt, confirmed the extradition to the Belga news agency. The man is now detained on charges related to his escape and illegal possession of a weapon.

The incident occurred on the morning of Friday, June 5, while the prisoner was at the hospital for a medical procedure. During a change of clothes, he suddenly fled. Reports indicate he threatened his guards with a sharp object and forced them to hand over the keys to his handcuffs.

The Bruges investigating judge initiated extradition proceedings immediately. The prisoner, of Chechen origin, was serving a 40-month effective prison sentence in Belgium for theft with violence. His sentence was scheduled to end in March 2028.

According to his lawyer, the escape was not pre-planned. "It was a spur-of-the-moment decision after a discussion about his foot restraint," Huysentruyt stated. The prisoner did not resist extradition and arrived back in Belgium on Monday. Following questioning, the investigating judge ordered his detention on suspicion of escape and illegal weapon possession. His lawyer also mentioned that the arrest proceeded without issues.

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It was a spur-of-the-moment decision after a discussion about his foot restraint.