Belgian federal police have added two Dutch brothers to the national and European Most Wanted list following their convictions for a fatal home invasion in the town of Bocholt.
Samir and Youssef Masoudi, both from the Limburg town of Weert, remain at large after failing to appear for their criminal proceedings. The brothers were sentenced in 2025 to eight years in prison by the Antwerp Court of Appeal for their roles in a violent robbery that occurred on February 13, 2017.
The 2017 Bocholt Home Invasion
During the incident, the brothers targeted an elderly couple in Bocholt, just across the border from the Netherlands. The assailants bound the victims, gagged them, and issued threats. The man was severely mistreated and stabbed in the leg with a knife; he passed away several months after the attack.
Despite the severity of the violence, the financial yield from the robbery was minimal. Reports indicate the perpetrators escaped with approximately 200 euros and a small collection of jewelry.
Europol Fugitive Campaign
The inclusion of the brothers on the European list is part of a new Europol campaign focused on identifying fugitives convicted of serious crimes against vulnerable victims, including the elderly and minors. There are currently 19 internationally sought individuals featured in this initiative.
The campaign underscores a broader effort to capture those who have committed violent acts against vulnerable populations. According to Europol, information provided by the public has led to the apprehension of 58 fugitives over the last decade.
The Fugitive Active Search Team (FAST) of the Belgian federal police is coordinating the search. Authorities are requesting that anyone with information regarding the brothers’ current whereabouts contact the police. Tips can be submitted anonymously, and officials hope that international attention will generate new leads on their location.
Legal Status and Sentencing
The Antwerp Court of Appeal finalized the sentencing on February 13, 2025, exactly eight years after the crime took place. The court ordered the immediate arrest of both men, who were tried in absentia. Because they did not attend their trial, they were sentenced by default.
