Dutch Brothers Sentenced to Eight Years for Violent Robbery That Netted Just €200
Samir and Youssef Masoudi, two Dutch nationals, are now among Europe’s most wanted fugitives. Each was sentenced to eight years in prison for a violent attack on an elderly couple in Belgium, and both remain at large. Their haul: €200 and a few pieces of jewelry.
Belgian federal police issued a new appeal for information on Thursday, November 12, seeking Samir Masoudi, 43, and his brother Youssef, 32. Originally from Weert in the Netherlands, the two men have just been added to the “Belgium’s Most Wanted” and “Europe’s Most Wanted” lists. They are wanted for an especially violent robbery committed nine years earlier in the Belgian municipality of Bocholt, in Limburg.
On February 13, 2017, the two brothers attacked an elderly couple in their home. The victims were gagged, tied up and threatened. The man suffered serious violence and was stabbed in the leg. He died a few months after the attack.
Despite the brutality of the assault, the perpetrators left with just €200 in cash and a few pieces of jewelry. The case led to lengthy legal proceedings, which culminated eight years later in the conviction of the two brothers.
Eight years in prison each, but still on the run
On February 13, 2025, the Antwerp Court of Appeal sentenced Samir and Youssef Masoudi to eight years in prison each, including for robbery involving violence that caused death without intent to kill and violence against vulnerable people.
The two brothers were absent from their trial. The court ordered their immediate arrest, but efforts to find them have so far proved unsuccessful.
Their case took on a new dimension on November 12, 2026. At the request of the Antwerp public prosecutor’s office, Belgian federal police submitted their names as part of an international Europol campaign targeting fugitives involved in serious crimes against children or older people.
The campaign highlights 19 criminals wanted internationally. The Masoudi brothers’ profiles have thus joined those of other fugitives on the European Most Wanted platform. The aim is to gather new information about their movements, contacts and possible place of residence.
The Fugitive Active Search Team (FAST), a specialized unit of the Belgian federal police, is now asking the public for help. Anyone with information about Samir or Youssef Masoudi can contact investigators on the toll-free Belgian number 0800 30 300, or on +32 2 554 44 88 from abroad.
