Russian inmate escapes Bruges hospital, manhunt underway

Authorities are actively searching for a 31-year-old Russian inmate who made a daring escape from a Bruges hospital on Friday morning. Alaouidi Djabrailov remains at large, prompting a widespread manhunt.

Djabrailov had been transferred from Bruges prison to the AZ Sint Jan hospital for a medical procedure. During a change of clothes, he reportedly produced a sharp object and threatened the accompanying prison guards. He then allegedly forced the officers to hand over the keys to his handcuffs, enabling his escape from the hospital premises at 9:24 a.m.

Since his escape, all available resources are being deployed to locate Djabrailov. Police patrols are conducting extensive searches in the surrounding areas. The Bruges section of the West Flanders prosecutor's office has initiated a judicial investigation, appointing an investigating judge to oversee the case. A wanted notice has been issued, describing Djabrailov as wearing a black shorts, a light-colored polo shirt, and sports shoes. Authorities caution the public not to approach him directly but to contact the police immediately if he is spotted.

Djabrailov was serving a firm sentence of 40 months for violent robbery, with his release scheduled for March 2028. While escaping is not a crime in itself in Belgium, he faces the prospect of additional charges for the actions he committed to facilitate his flight.

“

If you notice him, please do not approach him yourself, but immediately notify the police services.