Franco-Belgian Investigation Foils Imminent Armed Robbery of German Banknote Depot
A joint Franco-Belgian investigation has successfully disrupted a planned armed robbery targeting a high-security facility in Germany, used for the storage and distribution of banknotes. The operation, which culminated in the arrest of twelve suspects, including notorious French criminal Antonio Ferrara, prevented what authorities described as an imminent attack. The announcement was made by the Brussels public prosecutor on Friday, February 28th, highlighting the collaborative effort and the perilous nature of the thwarted plot.
According to Julien Moinil, speaking at a press conference in Brussels alongside Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, the suspects’ preparations for the attack had intensified in recent days, indicating that the execution of their plan was imminent. This urgency prompted swift action to apprehend the individuals before they could carry out the potentially devastating robbery.
The investigation originated from intelligence reports detailing a planned armed assault by a well-organized international criminal group known for its experience and determination. These initial leads led investigators across the Franco-Belgian border, where they identified and located a number of suspects. These individuals, according to the Brussels prosecutor, were "names well known to Belgian and French authorities," boasting extensive criminal records that rendered them exceptionally dangerous.
As the investigation progressed, the detectives uncovered the gang’s target: a high-security banknote depot in Bochum, Germany. Recognizing the gravity of the situation and the potential for significant financial loss and violence, a coordinated operation was launched to apprehend the suspects before they could execute their plan.
The operation unfolded on Thursday morning, with the arrest of nine individuals, including the infamous French repeat offender Antonio Ferrara, aged 51, in Eupen, located in the province of Liège, near the German border. Simultaneously, three additional suspects were apprehended in Brussels. All twelve individuals are currently being interrogated, as authorities seek to unravel the full extent of the plot and the roles of each participant.
Antonio Ferrara, nicknamed "the King of the Escape" due to his two successful prison breaks, had been released from Réau prison in Seine-et-Marne in July 2022, after completing his sentence. His involvement in this new plot underscores his continued engagement in criminal activities and his capacity for orchestrating sophisticated and dangerous operations.
During the raids conducted as part of the operation, law enforcement officers seized a substantial arsenal of weapons and equipment, highlighting the severity of the threat posed by the criminal gang. The recovered items included six weapons of war, a collection of assault rifles, six handguns, four stun grenades, a block of explosives, approximately fifteen detonators, bulletproof vests, uniforms, and numerous jerrycans filled with gasoline. This cache of weapons and supplies paints a clear picture of the gang’s intent to employ significant force and potentially engage in violent confrontation to achieve their objective.
The successful disruption of this planned armed robbery is a testament to the effectiveness of cross-border collaboration between French and Belgian law enforcement agencies. The coordinated effort, combined with meticulous investigation and timely execution, prevented a potentially catastrophic event and demonstrated the commitment of authorities to combating organized crime and ensuring public safety.
The fact that the target was a "centre-fort," an installation specifically designed to withstand attacks and securely store banknotes, further emphasizes the audacity and ambition of the criminals involved. These facilities are typically equipped with advanced security systems, including reinforced walls, sophisticated alarm systems, and armed guards, making them extremely challenging targets for even the most experienced criminals.
The involvement of individuals with extensive criminal histories, like Antonio Ferrara, underscores the persistent threat posed by career criminals and the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive law enforcement strategies. The ability of Ferrara, despite his past convictions and prison time, to become involved in another high-profile criminal plot highlights the challenges faced by authorities in rehabilitating offenders and preventing recidivism.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further details as the interrogation of the suspects progresses and the full scope of the conspiracy becomes clear. The success of this operation serves as a significant victory for law enforcement and a deterrent to other criminal organizations contemplating similar attacks. The collaboration between French and Belgian authorities will undoubtedly continue, as they work together to dismantle criminal networks and protect the public from future threats. The sheer volume of weaponry recovered also suggests that the group may have been involved in other crimes or had plans for future operations, making the ongoing investigation even more crucial. The investigation into possible accomplices beyond those already arrested is also likely to be a priority.
