Belgian authorities have reopened a chilling chapter in the countryS criminal history with the exhumation of remains linked to the infamous “Nijvel gang,” responsible for a series of violent crimes that terrorized the nation between 1983 and 1985. The move, involving the bodies of a mother, her husband, and a French gangster-as well as the gangster’s father-signals a significant escalation in the decades-long investigation into belgium’s most notorious unsolved case [[1]]. Investigators are hoping cutting-edge DNA analysis will finally break the case, potentially identifying those responsible for the deaths of multiple people, including police officers and civilians [[3]].
Belgian authorities have exhumed the bodies of a mother, her husband, and a French gangster as part of a renewed investigation into the notorious “Nijvel gang,” a group responsible for a series of violent robberies and murders in the 1980s. The move comes as investigators pursue a new lead in the decades-old case, which has long haunted Belgium and remains a significant example of unsolved violent crime in Europe.
The body of the mother was initially exhumed, and authorities subsequently decided to exhume the remains of her husband and Xavier Sliman, a French gangster, according to multiple reports. Sliman’s father was also exhumed as part of the investigation. The exhumations took place as investigators seek to gather additional DNA evidence that could potentially link suspects to the crimes.
The “Bende van Nijvel” – as the gang is known locally – terrorized Belgium between 1983 and 1985, carrying out a string of armed robberies targeting supermarkets and banks. The gang was also responsible for the deaths of several people, including police officers and civilians. Despite numerous investigations and arrests, the core members of the gang have never been definitively identified or brought to justice.
Interest in the case has been renewed by questions surrounding the role of Sliman and his brother, as well as potential connections to individuals within Belgian security forces. Investigators are reportedly examining whether the Sliman brothers were involved in providing logistical support or acting as intermediaries for the gang. VRT reports that authorities are seeking to understand the nature of their involvement.
DNA analysis is currently underway on the exhumed remains, and officials hope the results will provide new clues and potentially identify previously unknown suspects. The investigation is focused on determining whether the individuals buried in the graves have any connection to the crimes committed by the Nijvel gang. De Morgen details the DNA analysis process.
The exhumation of the “mother of the killer,” as she has been dubbed by local media, is particularly significant, as investigators believe she may hold a key to unlocking the mystery surrounding the gang’s identity and motives. Nieuwsblad reports on the significance of this particular exhumation.
This renewed investigation underscores the enduring impact of the Nijvel gang’s crimes and the determination of Belgian authorities to finally bring those responsible to justice. The development could potentially offer closure to the victims’ families and provide a definitive answer to a question that has lingered for decades.
