36 gangs active in Brussels

In 2013, seven new gangs formed in Brussels, bringing the total number of gangs in the city up to 36. The gangs recruited 140 new members altogether. There are currently 652 gang members active in Brussels, according to Sudpresse and La Capitale, based on figures from Interior Minister Joëlle Milquet (pictured).

The increase is remarkable because, before 2013, there were only three or four new gangs every year. As a result, the number of new members is also rising faster than ever.

This contrasts with the national trend, which shows the number of criminal organisations in Belgium declining. According to the federal police there are 253 gangs operating in Belgium. The number of members of these is estimated at 2,627, half of what it was two years ago.