Belgian Drug Lord Escapes Extradition: High-Profile Trafficker Flees Dubai for Morocco

Originally from Mechelen, Bouzambou is heavily convicted in Belgium. He was sentenced to eleven years in prison for a cocaine trafficking case, during which he assaulted Dutch presenter Frank Masmeijer. A seven-year prison sentence was added in 2023 for his involvement in drug-related attacks.

His escape concludes a long legal procedure in Dubai. Under pressure from the Belgian federal prosecutor’s office, the Emirati authorities had initiated his extradition and confiscated his passport. However, he had been released pending the final decision on his numerous legal appeals.

Shortly after the rejection of his last appeal, and as Belgium was preparing his transfer, the authorities noted his escape. Bouzambou’s case is not isolated: the convicted Salahdin K. has also left Dubai, while Othman El Ballouti remains detained there awaiting his extradition.

The choice of Morocco is no coincidence. The country is a known refuge for other traffickers wanted by Belgium, such as Mounir El Bartali or Hoesny Ajaray. Their dual nationality prevents their extradition, as Morocco does not extradite its own citizens.

Faced with this legal obstacle, Belgium can ask Morocco to prosecute its own nationals for acts committed on Belgian soil. This cooperation is already underway for Mohamed Reda Chih, also a dual national. Already incarcerated in Morocco, several Belgian judicial files have been transferred to the Moroccan justice system for trial.