Rotterdam Discovery Sparked Prosecution
A major trial has begun in Brussels for Flor Bressers, who prosecutors claim stood at the head of a large European cocaine trafficking organisation. The investigation originated in 2020, when customs officers in Rotterdam intercepted 3.2 tonnes of cocaine concealed within a shipment of manganese ore. Authorities say the seizure exposed a smuggling structure responsible for funnelling massive drug consignments into Europe.
Authorities Cite Enormous Criminal Profits
Prosecutors argue that Bressers profited by roughly €230m from ten separate consignments, while Brazilian suspect Sérgio Roberto de Carvalho is accused of making €200m. With 30 defendants in total, investigators believe the group collected about €500m through its operations. The proceedings were moved from Bruges to the secure Justitia complex in Brussels to address security concerns.
Arrests Across Europe Feed Into Case
Bressers was arrested in Zurich in February 2022 before being extradited to Belgium later that year. De Carvalho was taken into custody in Hungary in 2023. Other defendants include a Dutch lawyer and a former London banker, both accused of laundering illicit funds. Defence teams are expected to challenge the financial figures presented by prosecutors and reject claims that their clients played leading roles in the network.
