In 2023, Belgian authorities seized a record 116 tonnes of cocaine at the port of Antwerp, much of which is linked to the cartels associated with Othman El Ballouti.

Despite claiming to be a legitimate businessman, Othman El Ballouti has been convicted based on extensive evidence, including intercepted communications and testimonies from cooperating witnesses.

The 38-year-old Belgian-Moroccan fugitive, Othman El Ballouti, was extradited from Dubai to Belgium, ending his run from law enforcement as he was one of Europe's most wanted criminals.

Ballouti's criminal network has been involved in violent incidents, such as the gang-related killing of his 11-year-old niece in Antwerp, which is believed to be linked to ongoing drug turf wars.

He has a significant criminal history, including convictions in absentia for trafficking 840 kilograms of cocaine and involvement in an intercepted 11-tonne shipment in 2021, accumulating 27 years of prison sentences.

Ballouti, along with two others, was handed over to Belgian authorities following an international effort, with all three subject to Interpol red notices for serious crimes like drug trafficking and human smuggling.

He has been dubbed the 'Cocaine King' for orchestrating a major trafficking operation from Latin America to Europe, with Antwerp serving as a key hub.

The extradition was made possible by a 2021 agreement between Belgium and the UAE, which facilitated legal actions against fugitives and overcame previous legal barriers.