'Most wanted' fugitive who cut off ankle monitor surrenders to authorities

A 34-year-old man, Bilal H., who had been on the run since June 21 after cutting off his electronic ankle monitor, voluntarily surrendered this week. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a shooting incident in Anderlecht in March 2025 but did not appear for his sentencing. Previously, he had been convicted of manslaughter in 2017. Following his escape, he was classified as a priority fugitive, and his case was featured on Belgium's Most Wanted list. He turned himself in at the Brussels courthouse with his lawyer and is now in custody awaiting an appeal.