Two Russian suspects arrested in Poland over Zeebrugge murder
Two Russian men suspected of involvement in a fatal assault in Zeebrugge have been arrested in Poland, the Bruges branch of the West Flanders public prosecutor’s office reported on Tuesday night.
The incident took place last Friday evening on Mercatorstraat in Zeebrugge, where 56-year-old Herwin A. was beaten and kicked by two men. Despite efforts by a witness and emergency services to resuscitate him, the victim died at the scene. Witnesses said the attack may have followed an argument in a nearby night shop, though the exact motive remains unclear.
The public prosecutor’s office opened a judicial investigation, classifying the case as murder. Security footage from the night shop captured the two suspects, leading police to believe they were Eastern European truck drivers. A search notice was circulated on Sunday, generating more than 100 tips.
International cooperation
Thanks to those leads and data shared by foreign police services, investigators identified the suspects, born in 1980 and 1992. On Tuesday evening, Polish police intercepted the pair along a motorway at around 9:30 p.m.
The public prosecutor’s office praised the swift cooperation between Europol and several European police forces, calling it “particularly intense and efficient.” “Without this cooperation, a quick arrest would not have been possible.”
The Bruges investigating judge has launched extradition proceedings. If the suspects are transferred to Belgium, the judge will decide on their further detention.
#FlandersNewsService | A police handout image of the two suspects. © PHOTO BELGA HANDOUT
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