Brussels Police Had Mass Orgy On Lockdown Post Paris Attacks, Investigation Alleges

“Brussels police lockdown sex orgy” might sound more like the title of a niche piece of pornography than a headline about domestic security accountability, but the city’s authorities are currently investigating allegations that such a gathering actually took place. The incident allegedly occurred at the same time Belgium was still reeling from terrorist attacks in its neighboring country of France and hunting suspects in their own capital.

Brussels police and soldiers have been accused of engaging in a 10-person orgy while the city was on lockdown following the Paris terrorist attacks, reported local Belgian media on Tuesday.

Politico stated that up to eight male soldiers and two local female officers may have been involved in the sex act in a Ganshoren police station, which had been converted into an emergency barracks to house 15 to 20 members of the national armed forces. The neighborhood where it is located is near Molenbeek, where Paris attack terrorists were being pursued.

Social media users were quick to make jokes about the public relations nightmare for Brussels soldiers and police. An orgy could potentially weaken the seriousness of the danger that was used to justify the lockdown.

Belgium is definitely the most decadent country, right? https://t.co/C3Rx3mreC4

— Matthew Yglesias (@mattyglesias) December 29, 2015

Apart from the alleged armed guard orgy, the Brussels lockdown had already faced criticism from Belgians. Stores, public transport, and schools were all closed down from November 21 to November 25, with hours limited for restaurants. Citizens were also severely discouraged from any type of mass meetings. As a result, tourism to the city was sharply reduced.

During the lockdown, estimates indicate that the city lost around $56.5 million per day — totaling nearly $300 million. Many local business owners spoke out against the decision, and even those who stayed open reporting a 90 to 100 percent drop in sales. If the probe into the Brussels troops’orgy turns out to be true, that anger is sure to flare up again. At the time of the lockdown, café owner Rachel Van der Veken spoke to the Associated Press, defending her decision to keep normal hours despite the threat of violence.

“I don’t want anyone else to decide my life. If I stay at home and accept this situation, it’s like I accept what the terrorists are saying.”

The newly released orgy accusations are bound to provoke even more ire among citizens who were displeased with the handling of the situation. A viral photo of one of the many soldiers roaming the city carrying a shopping bag incited outrage across the country.

Belgian soldier doing some Christmas shopping [468 x 264] – #army #military pic.twitter.com/wDnQXBezpm

— Army Complex (@ArmyComplex) December 23, 2015

The lockdown during which the alleged orgy took place was called for because of intelligence indicating an attack planned for the Belgian capital. Prime Minister Charles Michel defended the decision as a means to ensure the safety of citizens, reported Reuters.

“The result of relatively precise information pointed to the risk of an attack along the lines of what took take place in Paris. We are talking about the threat that several individuals with arms and explosives would launch an attack perhaps in several locations at the same time.”

Names and ages of the Brussels police and Belgian soldiers involved in the lockdown orgy have not yet been released.

[Photo by Michael Probst/AP]