A raid at a shisha lounge earlier this month in Antwerp uncovered an apparent sex trafficking operation with police rescuing three girls and two women One of the girls was reported missing in the Netherlands and was handed over to Dutch authorities according to a statement from the mayor’s office No arrests were announced in connection with the raid The police began investigating the location on Sint-Bartholomeusstraat in the city’s Merksem district “due to serious indications of human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation,” the statement alleged the police found five scantily clad girls in the drinking establishment It is still being determined if the bar’s clients were paying to have sexual contact with the girls “A number of the girls were in possession of fanny packs containing a quantity of cash These contained the names of two of the minor girls The commercial space's door handle was removed which police believe was meant to make it harder for investigators to enter the facility when it was ultimately raided on December 7 The property's glass exteriors were also covered with dark tint Some 1,705 euros in cash were recovered during the raid "The police drew up two reports for the manager and the doorman for violations of private and special security." The bouncer at the door was not legally allowed to be working in Belgium and several others employees were being paid under the table Many of the customers were also living illegally in Belgium The “drinking establishment” was also not permitted to operate as a shisha bar and was responsible for a great deal of nuisance in the neighborhood other violations were found that disturb public order,” the mayor's office claimed “The notes with the daily income showed that balloons for the use of laughing gas were sold for 5 euros each.” One customer was in possession of a quantity of hashish and people were allowed to smoke tobacco without following local or national restrictions Authorities were concerned about the risk of recurrence and Mayor Bart De Wever ordered the location closed for at least the next two months and it may only reopen if additional conditions are met the vulnerable position of the minor girls requires that they are protected by all possible legal means by taking a concrete and sufficient measure.” Part of a site bridge for vehicles that are being used on the Oosterweel Link construction site has collapsed A section of the bridge over the Groenendaallaan in the Antwerp district of Merksem collapsed on Wednesday morning One construction worker was slightly injured The police are asking the public to steer clear of the area It is still unclear how or why a section of the bridge came to collapse a large piece of concrete came down fell from a bridge on the Oosterweel construction site above the Groenendaallaan and Noorderlaan in Merksem Miraculously only construction 1 worker was slightly injured The police and fire service are at the scene Wouter Bruyns of the Antwerp Local Police Service told VRT News that “It concerns a large section of the bridge I estimate about one and a half metres wide by 15 metres long The cause of the accident is now under investigation The cycle path under the bridge has been completely blocked The police are asking people to avoid the area Clearing the cycle path is likely to take all day Cyclists are unable to pass for the time being motorists are being diverted over the tram rails Lawless second and Van Rooy third in Merksem Results powered by FirstCycling The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox! Cyclingnews is the world's leader in English-language coverage of professional cycling Started in 1995 by University of Newcastle professor Bill Mitchell the site was one of the first to provide breaking news and results over the internet in English The site was purchased by Knapp Communications in 1999 and owner Gerard Knapp built it into the definitive voice of pro cycling major publishing house Future PLC has owned the site and expanded it to include top features The site continues to be the most comprehensive and authoritative English voice in professional cycling A bar in the Sint-Bartholomeusstraat in the Antwerp district of Merksem has been ordered to close for 2 months due to clear indications it was being used in human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of girls Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever took the decision to close the bar At the premises a hookah lounge was also being operated without the necessary licence police encountered five scantily clad women and girls the women and girls were employed as female companions Some of the women and girls were also carrying pouches containing cash The documents listed the names of two of the girls One of the girls was reported missing in the Netherlands She has been handed over to the Dutch authorities The business also operated as a hookah lounge but one that did not possess the necessary licence Several customers did not have the right documents to be in Belgium police found canisters of laughing gas as well as bags of balloons though their earnings were not being reported The bar’s owner denied any illegal goings on at her premises and as this meant illegal practices could continue shot dead in Antwerp believed to be victim of rival drug gangs as cocaine seizures hit record high Belgian politicians have expressed outrage over the fatal shooting of an 11-year-old girl in Antwerp in a “drug war” between rival gangs as authorities said cocaine seizures at the city’s port passed the 100-tonne mark for the first time last year Figures showing an unprecedented interception of cocaine at Antwerp as shock reverberated over the death of the girl who was hit during a shooting in the Merksem district on Monday evening “Terrible news from Merksem,” tweeted Belgium’s justice minister adding that the drug mafia could not sink any lower Belgian authorities announced on Tuesday they had seized nearly 110 tonnes of cocaine in 2022 at Antwerp setting a new record and crossing the threshold of 100 tonnes for the first time customs authorities seized 89.5 tonnes of the drug which is often hidden in cargoes of fruit and vegetables Belgium accounts for 40% of all cocaine detected in Europe head of customs at Belgium’s finance ministry describing Antwerp as “the top destination” for drug smugglers So much cocaine has been intercepted that law enforcement officials last year said they did not have enough incinerator capacity to destroy it experts have suggested seizures represent only 10-20% of the total amount of the drug in circulation so that shows that what is seized is not of such a nature as to disrupt the market,” a criminal lawyer Second to Antwerp is the Dutch port of Rotterdam which last year intercepted 52.5 tonnes of cocaine Seizures of cocaine have increased sharply at Antwerp over the last decade and authorities on Tuesday praised “brilliant detective work” for the latest record catch Belgian authorities said they planned to recruit 108 new staff to tighten controls at Antwerp The five largest cocaine exporting countries were Panama Belgian politicians expressed outrage at the shooting of the 11-year-old girl in what was described as a settling of scores between drug traffickers The child was seriously injured when a garage door came under fire at about 6.30pm on Monday evening De Wever said the girl’s family had been known to authorities “This clearly looks like a settling of accounts among drug traffickers,” he told local media Criminals are attacking the homes of other criminals This is what we have been experiencing for months now What I’ve been fearing for some time has happened: an innocent victim Free weekly newsletterThe most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment the president of the New Flemish Alliance party which campaigns for Flanders to be independent from Belgium criticised the national drug plan as a “disappointment” although said he had had good conversations with Van Quickenborne Van Quickenborne said prosecutors and police were doing their utmost to track down those responsible for drug violence “Last year over 80 acts of violence were committed in Antwerp Regularly those responsible are being arrested and convicted Today they fill a whole wing of Antwerp prison To be clear: we’re not only talking about the culprits but also those who commission these atrocities.” citing a vast investigation into organised crime and drug smuggling where officers intercepted encrypted phone calls that led to numerous arrests The Sky/ECC investigation – named after a Canadian/US company that supplied software – began in 2018 and was credited with the arrest of more than 1,200 people by mid 2022 Last year, police tightened up Van Quickenborne’s security and arrested four people, after detecting an apparent plot by a “drug mafia” to kidnap the minister One of the phases of the Oosterweel project will see 1,000 50-ton beams transported between the port of Antwerp and Merksem to create a temporary five-kilometre bypass a special transport vehicle carried the first of some 1,000 50-ton cement beams from the port of Antwerp to the Merksem viaduct It heralded the next phase of an impressive public works project that will see a temporary motorway built alongside the viaduct as the viaduct itself will be demolished The demolition of the viaduct is part of the Oosterweel project in Antwerp a major public works program that will connect the city’s ring road to the Oosterweel junction in the southern port area It includes a new motorway tunnel under the Scheldt and several canal tunnels The amount of covered motorway makes way for more green spaces “This is a standard operation for building a bridge,” said Wim Kenens of TM Roco the building consortium developing Oosterweel “But what is unique about it is that we are actually constructing many connected bridges in order to create one extremely long bypass The temporary construction is five-kilometres long and is necessary to accommodate the 140,000 vehicles that travel along it every day Closing parts of the viaduct to replace it in phases is Traffic will still be affected once the new bypass opens towards the end of 2025: It has three lanes in each direction rather than the current viaduct’s four lanes and the speed limit is being reduced to 70kph will be replaced with a new motorway that is lower and disappears at points under the ground The entire Oosterweel project is expected to be complete in 2033 A Dutch man and woman have been arrested after an investigation into the death of an 11-year-old girl in Antwerp at the beginning of 2023 the Belgian Public Prosecution Service announced The girl died after a shooting at a house in Merksem was also wounded in the shooting along with her elder sisters The suspects were identified as a 31-year-old man a 24-year-old woman Their role in the death is still being investigated The Belgian Public Prosecutors could not say where they were arrested Dutch Public Prosecution Service in Amsterdam confirmed that the man arrested is from Amsterdam after AT5 nitially reported the information Belgium has asked the authorities in the Netherlands to hand over the two suspects A 53-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man from Brussels were arrested earlier in the investigation The man in question was released on Tuesday Several homes were raided by investigators on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning in the Netherlands The Dutch police and Public Prosecution Service cooperated with the Belgian authorities on this operation Gunshots were fired on Nieuwdreef in Antwerp on January 9 The bullets went through the garage door to a kitchen area where the family was eating alleged shortly after the shooting that it was connected to drug-related crime in Antwerp The police there already suspected the possibility that Dutch people may have been involved in the incident The case was profiled on the Dutch police crime program Explosive devices were thrown at homes at three locations in Antwerp Province on Monday night Houses in the Antwerp districts of Merksem and Borgerhout were attacked as was a house in the municipality of Boom Police are currently investigating whether the three incidents are connected A resident of the house that was attacked in the Antwerp district of Merksem told VRT News “We were woken up by a loud bang and when we looked outside there was fire everywhere” The front door of the house on the Gasthuisstraat not far from the Sportpaleis events centre A window in an adjacent house was also destroyed and a car that was parked nearby was damaged a house on the Guldensporenstraat in Borgerhout was targeted there attempts to cause an explosion only had limited success Willem Migom of the Antwerp Local Police Service told VRT News that the front door of the house was slightly damaged in the attack a explosion seriously damaged the front door and the garage door of a house on the Gasstraat Forensic officers and the bomb disposal service Dovo went to the scene It is still unclear whether the three incidents were connected The assumption is that the attacks are linked to the trade in illegal narcotics The man who died during a shooting when police raided a house in Merksem yesterday had been followed by intelligence services for a while He had been listed as a potential terrorist confirms Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne (Flemish liberal) Yesterday's large-scale operation including a dozen house searches across Flanders was part of a probe into potentially dangerous right extremists "State intelligence services and the body monitoring the terrorist threat in Belgium (OCAD) have seen for some time that right extremism is gaining ground in our country" The minister is still hiding in a safehouse after a plot to kidnap him was foiled "We see more persons with right extremist ideas on the list of potential terrorists He does not label it as a form of coordinated terrorism "because most of them are lone actors influenced by conspiracy theories and desinformation that thrive on social media."  We see more persons with right extremist ideas on the list of potential terrorists there was a clear mistrust of everything connected with the government: "The corona crisis fuelled his anti-government feelings." We must stay alert concludes the minister who praised the approach of the police intervention teams and the intelligence services A enormous amount of weaponry was found during the house search: about 100 weapons including self-made weapons ammunition and night-vision goggles among other things described society as "terminally ill" He describes our society as "a sinking ship on its way to a totalitarian repression" He was irritated by phenomena such as "wokeness found that individuals should save themselves and called himself "sovereign" on social media The movement of "sovereign citizens" started in the U.S. they don't accept the authority of governments did not really like the Belgian governments he called the Flemish PM "a rag" and "a spineless coward" The "system" had to be "wiped out" Antwerp (Belgium)'s criminal court sentenced 23 defendants to up to thirteen years in prison and fines of up to 200,000 euros among them the Albanian Bledar Seferi. They were part of a criminal organization that imported more than six tons of cocaine through the port of Antwerp between November 2020 and May 2021 The court confiscated criminal assets of over €30 million a 200 thousand euro fine and 2.8 million euro confiscation. The court ordered the immediate arrest of Omar G. 12 years and Mohammed 10 years.The investigation into the group surrounding former Merksem kickboxer Omar 'Patje Haemers' G a few days after it became known that investigators had raided Sky ECC - the preferred communication channel of the drug mafia a Merksem truck driver picked up a container in the fruit sector in which customs had just previously found 818 kilograms of cocaine detectives went in search of his client. One of the suspects is the Albanian drug trafficker Bledar S. an Albanian syndicate that is considered one of the most powerful and richest in Europe his and his family's assets were seized as part of an anti-corruption procedure was sentenced to ten years in prison in November 2019 as the leader of a criminal organization involved in the establishment of cannabis plantations and the smuggling of cocaine He was previously convicted of drug smuggling in Italy.   Plenary Session Terminated after Tensions in Assembly Hall Opposition MPs Climbed through Windows to Enter Assembly Offices Tirana-Besiktas Match Suspended Due to Incidents Strong Security Measures for Bill Clinton's Visit in Tirana DP Accuses PM of Ignoring Albanians Living in Survival Conditions A 17-year-old girl has been taken to hospital after she was hit by tram in the Antwerp district of Merksem on Wednesday morning The Antwerp Local Police Service reports that the girl’s injuries are serious and probably even life-threatening The accident that happened on the Burgemeester Jozef Nolfplein caused severe disruption to tram services to and from Merksem on Wednesday morning The exact circumstances surrounding the accident are still unclear what is know is that the teenager was hit by the tram end ended up underneath it The emergency service had to free the girl before she could be taken to hospital The accident has caused severe disruption to tram routes 2 and 3 in both directions No trams are running between the stops Merksem Gasthuishove and Merksem P+R (park and ride) The television program Opsporing Verzocht brought attention on Tuesday evening to a January 2023 shooting at a home in Antwerp in which an 11-year-old girl named Firdaous was killed The victim who died was the daughter of Othman El Ballouti The Antwerp-born man is suspected of running a global cocaine trafficking and money laundering operation using the Antwerp port Department of the Treasury said last year based on information from Belgium and Interpol it is almost impossible to put into words what I am currently going through Firdaous was not only my daughter; she was the apple of my eye my friend and my rock," the girl's mother told Dutch police by email She finds it incomprehensible that her young daughter lost her life as a result of a possible street-level drug war Authorities in Belgium raised the possibility that the crime may involve suspects based in the Netherlands Although a 53-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man from Brussels were arrested Their role in the attack is being investigated The shooting is presumably connected to a drugs-related conflict announced shortly after the incident that the incident was linked to drug crime in his city Dutch criminals have been more involved in drug trafficking in Antwerp in recent years with the port there an alternate to the Rotterdam port Video footage of two men parking their car near the home before the shooting was shown on the program one of the men walked towards the building that was shot at and then later the other man followed on a black electrical step scooter He was carrying a white bag which could have been used to conceal the firearm Five shots were fired at the garage on January 9 which the family mainly used as a living area The incident happened on Nieuwdreef in Merksem district in Antwerp Two sisters and the father were also wounded in the shooting but she died from her injuries at the hospital but the vehicle has one black piece above the front right wheel that might indicate a recent repair The images of the men and their movements were first broadcast on the Belgian show Faroek on Friday One of the men had a face mask on at the time Police are still investigating if the 21-year-old Brussels suspect was one of the men in the camera footage A motorcyclist has died in an accident involving a lorry in the Antwerp district of Merksem on Friday morning The accident on the Groenendaallaan in Merksem caused the closure of the road and disruption to traffic in the area on Friday morning The 59-year-old motorcyclist was involved in a collision with a lorry on the Groenendaallaan in Merksem on Friday morning The Fire Service went to the scene to help free the man from under the lorry The lorry was waiting at traffic lights and was ready to turn The motorcyclist tried to overtake and ended underneath the lorry An accident investigation expert has been appointed to investigate the exact circumstances surrounding accident The police closed the area around the accident site to traffic and this caused extra traffic congestion in nearby streets on Friday morning The Merksem intersection on the northbound carriageway of the Antwerp Orbital Motorway was also closed Need some help figuring out where to live in Antwerp Discover which area could be your next home with this overview of city neighborhoods By Laura van der Most French: Anvers) ranks first on any alphabetical list of large cities in Belgium This charming port city in West Flanders (Dutch: West Vlaanderen French: Flandre-Occidentale) has much to offer whether you’re into historic architecture Find out neighborhood in Antwerp is right for you by reading the following: Spotahome takes the hassle out of househunting by doing the hard work for you and book rental properties all from the comfort of your own home Take the stress out of househunting in Antwerp with Spotahome Antwerp is Belgium’s second-largest city and one of the world’s major seaports This dynamic and historic city in West Flanders (Dutch: West Vlaanderen French: Flandre-Occidentale) is renowned for its vibrant culture Its strategic location on the river Scheldt (Dutch: Schelde French: Escaut) allowed extensive trade (and banking) during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance Although Antwerp was significantly damaged by both World Wars the city continues to play a crucial role in international trade The city scores pretty well in terms of quality of life. According to the European Commission’s 2023 Quality of Life Report an incredible 93% of Antwerpians are satisfied with their city This high figure is perhaps understandable and there are plenty of green spaces where residents can connect with nature it is (much) more affordable than other major European cities like Paris From a social perspective, Antwerp is generally inclusive and progressive. It hosts various LGBTQ+ events throughout the year, including Antwerp Pride The city also strives to be accessible to people with disabilities; however some areas have infrastructural challenges While housing costs are less expensive in Antwerp than in Brussels, prices have been increasing in recent years. Due to the competitiveness of the real estate market it’s best to start your search as early as possible – months before you plan to move your search for a place to live will most likely begin online Some of the most popular online portals for renting and buying properties in Antwerp are: you can also enlist the help of a trusted real estate agent (Dutch: makelaar The older parts of the historic city feature small cobblestone streets with charming row houses and gorgeous facades you’ll find contemporary houses and apartment buildings with a modern look The size and layout of housing vary by neighborhood the narrow townhouses often have multiple stories with commercial spaces on the ground floor and apartments above although some might have small courtyards or rooftop terraces As you move further away from the city center you’re more likely to find larger detached and semi-detached houses with spacious layouts and outdoor space The rental market in Antwerp consists of privately owned sublet properties and subsidized social housing options Due to the city’s affordable rental prices and generous leases renting is a more popular choice for expats looking to move to the area so it’s recommended to keep a file with all the required documents for the rental application before you start your housing search If you’re employed, you should be able to get a mortgage with no additional requirements – regardless of your nationality Real estate guide: buying a house in Belgium Antwerp is divided into nine administrative districts (Dutch: districten Before you rent or buy, it’s recommended that you visit the area in person to see which best suits your budget, needs, and preferences. Wherever you may end up, Antwerp’s public transport system will make sure you remain well-connected throughout the city and surrounding towns Keep reading for an overview of some of Antwerp’s most popular neighborhoods for expats Nestled just south of the bustling city center, Berchem is one of Antwerp’s most charming and culturally rich districts where urban life and suburban tranquility blend together seamlessly Berchem offers a variety of housing options including modern apartments and spacious family houses residents are never far from green spaces and nature The district is home to several beautiful parks such as the spacious Middelheim Park (Middelheimpark) Berchem prides itself on its strong sense of community and welcoming atmosphere It is especially known for its friendly residents and active community life with plenty of opportunities to meet new people and socialize Expat families with children will also appreciate the close proximity to high-quality education, including several public, private, and international schools with many families choosing to settle down in Berchem your child will never want for a new friend Berchem offers the perfect balance of suburban life and relative proximity to Antwerp’s urban bustle It is the ideal district to start a family and put down long-term roots As you might expect, Eilandje (or “little island”) is located near the water Situated just north of the historic city center this is the oldest port area in Antwerp and originally served as a bustling hub for trade and shipping the neighborhood has undergone significant transformation The once-industrial docks have now been redeveloped into one of the city’s hippest areas with a focus on modernity and sustainable living Known for its lively cultural scene, Eilandje is home to numerous art studios, galleries, and museums where residents can experience contemporary and traditional works. Freelancers and creatives often choose it for its many co-working spaces and artsy vibe Eilandje also has plenty of cozy cafes and gourmet restaurants where foodies can get their fill the neighborhood is renowned for its seafood and fresh dishes International cuisine is also well-represented with restaurants serving flavors from around the world Housing options in Eilandje include modern apartments Although property prices are slightly higher compared to other parts of Antwerp the neighborhood’s amenities and location make it a worthwhile investment for many Expats are drawn to this up-and-coming neighborhood by its stunning waterfront views If you like food, vintage design, and eco-friendly living, Harmonie and ‘t Groen Kwartier are two neighborhoods well worth exploring While less crowded than other areas of Antwerp these trendy districts southeast of the city center are popular with people seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city Harmonie features tree-lined streets with stately mansions and elegant townhouses reflecting the grandeur of the city’s historical past Key parts of this neighborhood are Harmony Park (Harmoniepark) and King Albert Park (Koning Albertpark) ‘t Groen Kwartier (or “The Green Quarter”) Offering a blend of historic apartment buildings and contemporary lofts this urban oasis has a focus on modern living with an emphasis on sustainability What makes ‘t Groen Kwartier so special is its innovative culinary scene. It is home to several trendy restaurants and cafes, many of which focus on locally sourced ingredients. One of the gastronomical highlights is The Jane a Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a beautifully restored chapel While property prices are higher than elsewhere in the city and easy access to nearby districts and their cultural venues Whether you’re drawn to Harmonie’s historic elegance or ‘t Groen Kwartier’s modern sustainability the area’s welcoming community and rich lifestyle will make you feel right at home Expats looking for affordable housing might find a home in the family-friendly district of Hoboken Once a small village with shipyards and factories the district in the southern part of Antwerp is now a lively residential area with abundant parks and green spaces The district’s star attraction is the Hobokense Polder a sprawling nature reserve and local hot spot for hiking Sports fans can also revel in the district’s active lifestyle Hoboken is well-known for its local Belgian cuisine, with many cafes and family-owned restaurants offering traditional dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Residents who love to cook can recreate the recipes by visiting Hoboken Market (Hobokense market) one of the district’s weekly highlights Hoboken has an active community that attracts families and working professionals alike Residents often participate in local events and neighborhood initiatives making it a great place for expats to integrate and build a home Hoboken residents enjoy a slower village life that’s not overwhelmingly busy If Hoboken doesn’t work out, you can always try to find green living options in family-friendly Merksem This neighborhood north of Antwerp stands out as one of the most welcoming districts albeit with a strong local identity and long-standing traditions Merksem dates back to Roman times, and its rich history is still visible in its architecture and public spaces. However, the district’s standout feature is Rivierenhof Park one of the largest nature reserves in Antwerp A central point for leisure and entertainment the park offers scenic walking paths and cycling routes Multicultural Merksem is characterized by its strong sense of community and inclusivity Residents are known for their friendliness and active participation in local events that showcase the district’s diverse population Families are often drawn to Merksem for its safe and supportive environment Children have plenty of space to play and explore while the close-knit community ensures parents have a supportive network the district’s schools are known for their high educational standards and nurturing environments making it an ideal place for families to settle Merksem has a special charm that many residents feel stands out from other parts of Antwerp Nestled in the heart of Antwerp, Quartier Latin (or simply Theaterbuurt) has long been a center for intellectual and artistic life and museums that showcase both established and emerging artists the area is most famous for its many theaters and associated restaurants including the Arenberg Theater (Arenbergschouwburg) Fashionistas will also enjoy its many independent boutiques and high-end fashion stores Quartier Latin is particularly known for its focus on sustainable and ethical fashion with many retailers showcasing local designers who prioritize environmentally friendly techniques Housing options in Quartier Latin include an array of architectural styles Many of the historical buildings have been meticulously preserved and restored you can also find modern apartments and townhouse lofts that blend seamlessly with their historic surroundings With its thriving cultural scene and vibrant nightlife Quartier Latin (or the Theaterbuurt) is a magnet for people looking to experience the buzz of urban Antwerp Located on the southern edge of Antwerp’s city center, the neighborhoods of ‘t Zuid and Nieuw Zuid stand out for their vibrant social scene While hip ‘t Zuid is an established cultural hotspot up-and-coming Nieuw Zuid is perfect if you like an alternative and less touristy atmosphere Famous for its vibrant nightlife and diverse dining scene and gourmet restaurants where bon vivants spend endless days and nights on cozy terraces The neighborhood is a place to see and be seen The artistic heart of Antwerp, ‘t Zuid is home to small galleries and large museums, including the Photo Museum Antwerp (Fotomuseum – FOMU), the Museum of Contemporary Art (Museum van Hedendaagse Kunst – M HKA), and the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten Antwerpen – KMSKA) you’ll find Nieuw Zuid with its raw and unconventional vibe Creative minds and free spirits are drawn to this neighborhood dotted with trendy coffee bars the area is also a growing hub for business and innovation with many tech companies and startups choosing to set up in Nieuw Zuid both neighborhoods offer excellent healthcare facilities While most schools are a mix of public and private ‘t Zuid also has an international school Whether you’re drawn to the here-and-now vibe of Zuid or the future-forward spirit of Nieuw Zuid these trendy neighborhoods are ideal for young professionals looking for a cosmopolitan and artistic lifestyle While this article delves into only a couple of Antwerp’s neighborhoods Antwerp’s other districts include:  Antwerp has a moderate crime rate with around 14.7% of all reported crimes happening in the busy port city (2023) there were also 6,991 reports of domestic violence you should remain cautious and exercise common sense when walking alone at night or in busy areas where pickpocketing might occur Police also advise people to take precautions when visiting Schipperskwartier (near Eilandje) and the Seefhoek especially around De Coninckplein and Sint-Jansplein In terms of air quality and pollution Antwerp – and Belgium as a whole – is doing rather poorly the country had the fourth highest exposure to Particulate Matter in the EU Even though air quality has improved over the past decade you may want to avoid buying or renting a home in certain areas near airports and highways Whether you’re renting on a budget or buying a million-euro home you’ll want to find a place that suits you best Here are a few tips to keep in mind when looking for a house in Antwerp: You can also get great advice (and create new friendships) from different expat groups in Antwerp she discovered a passion for editing and has been working on improving texts ever since Laura’s areas of expertise usually cover labor laws Detectives from the local and federal police services have sealed off a builders’ merchants in the Antwerp district of Merksem as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering The company that is located on the Oostkaai has a turnover of millions of euro There are suspicions that money from the company has been invested in criminal activities The company is a builders’ merchants that mainly supplies construction industry professional but also has some private customers In 2020 it was sealed off when it fails to respect the measures that were then in force to curb the spread of coronavirus The Antwerp prosecutor’s office said in a statement that “The construction company has been at the Merksem site since 2011 and has since grown into a business that generates million in turnover it has its own quay for unloading deliveries of goods that have been transported by boat” “Following the findings of the investigation so far it was decided that the company should be sealed off the investigation into money laundering continues” The Dutch authorities are to transfer a man that is suspected of having been involved in a shooting that left an 11-year-old girl from Antwerp dead to Belgium for questioning who was from the Merksem district of Antwerp was having dinner with her family when the house they live in was shot at The shooting is believed to have been drug related The girl’s sisters and her father were slightly injured in the shooting and received hospital treatment They were a 53-year-old woman and a 21-year-old man Her DNA was found on one of the five bullet casings that were retrieved at the scene of the shooting Just under a month later two further suspects were apprehended in The Netherlands The suspects are a 31-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman Previously the Antwerp prosecutor’s office had said that there was a possible link with The Netherlands An appeal was made for information and this resulted in dozens of tips from people both here in Belgium and in The Netherlands Today a court in The Netherlands ruled that the suspect may be transferred to Belgium on condition that guarantees are given concerning the conditions in which he will be held in a Belgian prison while he is on remand if convicted by a Belgian court he will be able to serve his sentence in a Dutch prison The female suspect has been questioned by Dutch detectives The Dutch court ruled that it is no longer necessary to keep her in custody This would indicate that she is no longer a suspect in the case The man that had admitted to killing a 23-year-old student in Antwerp last Saturday is to remain in custody Julie Van Espen was on her way to meet friend when Steve Bakelmans (39) killed her A custody hearing in Antwerp on Friday morning has decided that he should remain in custody Early on Saturday evening 23-year-old Julie Van Espen left her home in Schilde (Antwerp province) to cycle the 15 or kilometres to Antwerp city centre where she had arranged to meet some of her friends Julie never arrive and a search was launched to try and find her Steve Bakelmans who was seen on CCTV close to where Julie Van Espen’s mobile phone was traced for the final time soon become a prime suspect He was detained on Monday morning in Leuven (Flemish Brabant) later that day Julie Van Espen’s body was found in the Albert Canal in the Antwerp District of Merksem Steve Bakelmans has since admitted to killing the 23-year-old student as he tried to sexually abuse her