Uncle of Missing Belgian Boy Released Under Electronic Surveillance

The police had arrested the suspect last Sunday on Rue d’Enghien, in the Walloon municipality of Steenkerque, in the company of Ilias. On Monday, he had been placed under arrest warrant. It took several days of investigation for the investigators to succeed in finding the teenager.

Benjamine E.M., 26 years old, is suspected of attempted kidnapping of a minor with threats, deception and violence. He would have intended to go to France with his nephew. The public prosecutor’s office is convinced that the suspect had prepared the scenario. In court, he flatly rejected the accusations. The council chamber decided to release him, but he will have to be placed under electronic bracelet, reports La Dernière Heure. He will also have to undergo a psychiatric examination.

"My client had no criminal intent. He understands that he made a serious error of judgment in leaving with his nephew without informing anyone and regrets what he did to his sister and brother-in-law," commented his lawyer.