During the trial, the prosecutor’s office described how the gang began as “a small scam run by some young girls,” but how it eventually evolved into “an organized entity where people are constantly recruited, trained and encouraged.”
There would have been a clear hierarchy in the gang, with two clear leaders. According to the prosecutor’s office, the other 11 defendants were also members of the organization, but “on a smaller scale and for a shorter period.”
The main suspect now receives a suspended prison sentence for 3 years. The Attorney General’s Office reported that “several stringent conditions are attached to this postponement.” “For example, the defendant must follow appropriate professional and specialist psychosocial guidance.”
A second defendant was given a two-year suspended sentence.
The two leaders must pay compensation to the civil parties totaling 64,764 euros. Influencer Sarah Putemans receives compensation of 1,100 euros.
The other defendants, who mainly used their bank accounts, are receiving community service sentences of up to 120 hours. According to the court, they “allowed themselves to be guided by easy money”, but they were also “completely unaware of the impact of their actions”.
4 others were acquitted. The prosecutor’s office ruled that they were “prosecuted only on money laundering charges.” “They were not aware of the illegal source of funds and were therefore in good faith.”
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