Teen from Geraardsbergen region extorted to commit phone thefts: police investigating station CCTV footage

A 16-year-old boy from Geraardsbergen was threatened and extorted by peers to commit mobile phone thefts. The police are investigating the incident using surveillance footage. The boy's mother reported that he was assaulted and threatened with a knife in the station's restrooms. He was later found in Lessen after going missing. The police chief stated this is an isolated incident and there are no signs of organized gangs forcing minors into thefts. The investigation is ongoing.