BI agents nab Belgian for drug crimes
BUREAU of Immigration (BI) agents arrested a Belgian who had a red notice for being a member of a drug syndicate.
A red notice is a request to law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and arrest a person pending extradition, surrender or similar legal action.
Kristof Debie, 38, who introduced himself as a model, was arrested on October 17 at a hotel in Parañaque City.
Debie is the subject of an interpol red notice issued in March 2023 requesting immigration police worldwide to locate and arrest him.
He is said to have worked as a model and a bartender but was actually part of a criminal organization involved in illegal narcotics trading, according to reports.
BI fugitive search unit (FSU) Chief Rendel Ryan Sy reported that Debie was tagged as an undesirable alien after the agency received information regarding the Belgian’s criminal activities.
According to BI, an arrest warrant was issued against the Belgian by the Court of First Instance of East Flanders, Ghent Section in Belgium, for multiple grave offenses.
He is also accused of torturing minors, participating in a criminal organization and serious drug-related charges, which are all in violation of the Belgian Penal Code.
Reports from foreign news outlets have detailed the heinous nature of his crimes. One report said he severed the ear of a 17-year-old boy after losing a stash of cocaine.
Debie is now detained at the BI facility in Bicutan, Taguig pending his deportation.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco reiterated that fugitives are not welcome in the country. “We are committed to upholding the law. We will not allow our country to become a safe haven for those who escape justice,” he added.
