Infamous kidnapper leaves prison

19 0ctober 2004

BRUSSELS – One of Belgium’s most infamous kidnappers left prison on Tuesday after spending 12 years behind bars.

Daniel Vanhamel, now 48, hit the headlines in 1992 when he was arrested for kidnapping the son of Belgian textile millionaire Jan De Clerk.

Vanhamel snatched eleven year old Anthony De Clerk and then demanded a BEF 250 million (EUR 6.2 million) ransom for his safe return.

Thirty two days after the kidnapping the ransom was paid and Anthony was released.

Vanhamel was released from jail on condition that he wears an electronic tagging device at all times and lives with his wife and children.

Subject: Belgian news