Two Weert brothers added to Europe's Most Wanted list

Police have added brothers Samir and Youssef Masoudi from Weert, in the province of Limburg, to the Europe's Most Wanted list. They are also on Belgium's Most Wanted, the Belgian wanted list.

Both men were convicted of a violent robbery of an elderly couple in Bocholt, a town in Belgium. Each was sentenced to eight years in prison.

The Antwerp court of appeal handed down the sentences in February 2025. The brothers did not attend their trial and have been on the run since. The robbery took place in February 2017. Belgian federal police say the couple were tied up, gagged and threatened. The man was badly beaten and stabbed in the leg with a knife. He died a few months later. The robbers took about €200 and some jewellery.

The listing is part of a new Europol campaign that draws attention to fugitives convicted of serious crimes against vulnerable victims, such as older people and minors. Nineteen internationally wanted people are on the new Europe's Most Wanted list.

Belgian authorities hope international attention will bring new information on where the brothers are staying. People who know are asked to contact the Belgian police, and tips can be passed on anonymously.