Sky ECC appeal begins amid tight security
The Sky ECC appeal trial began on Monday before the Brussels court of appeal in the converted NATO building in Haren. The proceedings began with some delay due to the strict security measures, resulting in tensions at the start of the hearing.
Some 58 people in the Sky ECC trial are being retried. For such a large trial, security measures in and around the courthouse were tightened, which caused tension and irritation among the lawyers. They reported that it took almost 40 minutes to get from the car park to the courtroom.
“We make no concessions when it comes to security,” the judge said in response to complaints. Security is also strictly enforced in the courtroom itself. For example, the passing of a pen to a defendant resulted in a warning from the judge.
The Sky ECC trial revolves around a large criminal organisation that was active in drug trafficking between Belgium and Latin America. The network was broken up when the encrypted communication networks Sky ECC and Encrochat were decrypted in 2020.
After an 11-month trial, 115 individuals and four companies were found guilty in the first instance in this case on 29 October 2024. The appeal will last until the end of November.
The increased security measures do not only apply to this trial. At the same time, the Bruges criminal court is also hearing a case in the Justitia building for several weeks: a case of international drug trafficking, with 31 people in the dock.
Lawyers arrive for one of two major drug trials at the Justitia courthouse in Brussels, 15 September 2025 © BELGA PHOTO MARIUS BURGELMAN
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