Belgian drugs syndicate boss found dead days before trial

Silvio Aquino, one of the brothers at the head of what is alleged to be one of the country’s biggest crime families, was shot dead on Thursday on an industrial estate in Opglabbeek, Limburg, days before the trial against the family on drugs charges was due to resume in Hasselt. 

According to police, Aquino’s car was blocked, and he was shot seven times. His wife, who was with him, was injured but managed to get to a nearby house. Another murder, of a man found on Thursday in Roermond, close to the Dutch border, has been confirmed as linked to the Aquino shooting, the Tongeren prosecutor’s office said.

The trial against Aquino and his brother Antonio was one of the largest the country has ever seen, involving the alleged sale of more than two tonnes of cocaine with a value of €72 million. There are 38 accused, and the prosecutor was demanding sentences of 15 years for the brothers.

The case was adjourned earlier this year when the defence claimed the prosecution was depending on evidence obtained by an infiltrator in the gang, which is not legal in Belgium. A court ruled, however, that the correct procedure had been followed.

Jef Vermassen, one of the defence lawyers representing Antonio Aquino, said he would seek an immediate adjournment as soon as the case resumes on 7 September. Three of the six Aquino brothers, all of whom have been linked to the drugs trade at some point, are on trial: Silvio; Antonio, also known as Raf; and Mario, aka Mano. The men’s wives and one of their sisters are also facing charges.

The body of the other man, who has not been publicly identified, was found close to a car stopped on the hard shoulder of the A73 shortly after the Aquino killing. He is thought to be one of the group involved in the attack on Aquino.

Photo: Luc Claessen/BELGA