The court began the hearing by hearing certain defendants. One of them, Mehdi, put in contact a man who called himself “mosquito” on Snapchat and who wanted to find premises to rent. “I wasn’t aware of what was going on there.“, indicated this defendant. “We only communicated in English via Snapchat. I have never physically seen anyone.“
“In the end, I was afraid for the children and me”
Jesse, a welder who is suspected of having prepared supports that could have been used in one of the laboratories, explained that he did not know the purpose of his work. “I checked the quality of the welds and I put wheels under the cans so that they were mobile but I had no idea what the welds I was making were for.” he said.
It was then the turn of a man who rented a gîte which belonged to him in Huy and a shed in Marchin which were used to set up laboratories. The man confessed before the judge. He explained that he found himself in a particularly critical financial situation after finding himself alone having to take care of his three children. “I wanted to save my house“, indicated the defendant. “Initially, I knew that these were illegal operations, but I did not know the exact nature of them. In the end, I was afraid for the children and me. I notified the police. Maybe I’m taking a risk by talking to you“, the man continued, explaining that he was in dire straits at the time of the events.
Two other hearings are planned to complete the hearings, hear the indictment and the pleadings.
