Two men arrested over series of sexual assaults in Brussels’ Bois de la Cambre
Two men have been arrested and detained for a series of assaults and rapes that took place in the Bois de la Cambre, the Brussels public prosecutor has confirmed.
The suspects are two men aged 35 and 41, who are not believed to know each other. They are suspected of a total of seven offences.
Between 26 July 2024 and 18 April 2025, a total of 13 incidents of rape and sexual assault took place in the Bois de la Cambre, near the Jeux d’Hiver nightclub.
“These were incidents that took place at night, in a wooded area, which did not make the investigation any easier,” prosecutor Julien Moinil told a press conference on Tuesday.
DNA samples matched
The Brussels Capital/Ixelles police zone took various measures following the attacks, including increased patrols, mobile cameras and a reporting point in the club.
“They were also able to count on good cooperation with local businesses and the public in conducting the investigation, in particular by using CCTV footage and gathering witness statements,” Moinil said.
Several DNA samples were taken and compared with the national database, which led to the identification of the suspects.
“We have been able to identify two suspects, both of whom are suspected of various offences,” Moinil said.
“The first is a 35-year-old man of no known address, who was already known to the courts for drug offences and who is suspected of four counts of sexual assault. He was arrested at the beginning of July. The second suspect is a 41-year-old man from Brussels, who was arrested on 7 August and is suspected of three offences.”
Both men have been placed under arrest.
“These arrests demonstrate the effectiveness of DNA analysis in identifying and apprehending sex offenders,” said Moinil. “They also help to protect other potential victims.”
The Jeux d'Hiver club © PHOTO BELGIAN FREELANCE
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