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Ferrara Stands Trial in Brussels Over Foiled Bochum Cash-Depot Plot

The case spotlights cross-border policing tied to a foiled 2025 raid.

Le braqueur français Antonio Ferrara lors d'une audience à Bruxelles le 30 mars 2026
Des enquêteurs relèvent des indices sur la porte arrière de la maison d'arrêt de Fresnes, après l'évasion d'Antonio Ferrara, le 12 mars 2003
Le braqueur français Antonio Ferrara lors d'une audience à Bruxelles le 30 mars 2026

Overview

  • The Brussels trial, which opened Monday, brings Antonio Ferrara and nine co-defendants before the correctional court on charges linked to a planned armed attack in Germany.
  • Prosecutors say the group targeted a cash-depot site in Bochum known as a centre‑fort, a facility where banks store money and valuables, and planned to use heavy weapons, grenades and explosives.
  • A February 27, 2025 police raid in Eupen near the German border stopped the plan, led to the seizure of weapons and left a Belgian special‑unit officer wounded after a suspect rammed a police car.
  • Most defendants appear free or on electronic monitoring, and Ferrara has been under judicial control since November 2025 after posting €30,000 bail while denying links to the group and noting no weapon was found in his car.
  • Hearings are scheduled through April 29 before a decision is put in deliberation, and a French inquiry for criminal conspiracy remains open until Belgium issues a final ruling.