Manhunt in Bruges for Escaped Prisoner Alaouidi Djabrailov
A massive manhunt is underway in the Belgian city of Bruges after Alaouidi Djabrailov (31), a Russian national serving a 40-month prison sentence, escaped from AZ Sint-Jan hospital on Friday morning. Despite an intensive search involving the COBRA special intervention team, police helicopters, and sniffer dogs, Djabrailov remains at large as of Saturday, June 6.
The Escape
The escape occurred on the morning of Friday, June 5, while Djabrailov was being prepared for a medical procedure on the hospital’s 10th floor. According to Het Laatste Nieuws, while changing clothes before surgery, Djabrailov threatened two unarmed prison guards with a sharp object, forced them to hand over the keys to his handcuffs, removed his ankle shackles, and fled through the stairwell.
A witness at the hospital described the moment Djabrailov ran past her near the elevators: “The look in his eyes was indescribable. A look full of hate.”
CCTV footage shows Djabrailov running through the parking tower toward the N31 expressway, after which the trail goes cold. The hospital was locked down for 45 minutes, with patients and staff instructed to stay in place. General director Hans Rigauts confirmed that normal operations resumed after the lockdown, with enhanced police checks remaining at the entrance.
The Manhunt
Police launched an immediate large-scale search operation. The COBRA special intervention team, a federal police helicopter, and sniffer dogs combed the surrounding forests and area — all without result. Police spokesperson Lien Depoorter told De Morgen: “We are searching for him with all our might, with extra reinforcements.”
On Friday afternoon, authorities released an official wanted notice with Djabrailov’s description. At the time of his escape, he was wearing a light-colored polo shirt, black sports shorts, and sneakers. He is currently clean-shaven. The public has been warned not to approach him and to contact police immediately if spotted.
A History of Escape Attempts
This is not Djabrailov’s first attempt to break free. In May 2025, he and a cellmate cut a large hole in their cell wall at Ghent Prison, according to VRT NWS. The pair built an improvised ladder from bunk bed rungs tied together with sheets. They successfully cleared the first prison wall, but Djabrailov fell while attempting the second wall, sustaining severe injuries that required hospitalization.
Criminal Background
Djabrailov’s criminal record is extensive. He was serving a 40-month sentence for theft with violence, stemming from an incident in late 2024 when he dragged a 79-year-old woman from her car at the Citadelpark in Ghent. According to Crimesite, he opened her door, shouted “Dégage!” (Get out!), and forcibly pulled her out. The victim hit her head on the ground and was dragged as he fled, suffering both physical injuries and severe psychological trauma.
After stealing the elderly woman’s car, Djabrailov abandoned it in Liedekerke, then broke into a couple’s home demanding car keys. When the woman refused, he grabbed the keys himself and fled in their van. The chase ended in Dilbeek when he crashed into a house facade.
In September 2022, he was convicted to 13 months for burglary after barricading himself on a greenhouse roof in Kortrijk following an attempted car theft.
Security Questions and Forward Look
The escape has raised serious questions about prisoner transport security. Djabrailov was accompanied by two unarmed guards despite his violent history and prior escape attempt. The fact that he could produce a sharp object during a hospital visit suggests inadequate searching procedures.
According to HLN, Djabrailov is also wanted in several other countries, raising the possibility that he may attempt to flee Belgium. The nearby port of Zeebrugge and the E40/A10 motorway network provide potential escape routes.
As the search enters its second day, authorities have not ruled out the possibility that Djabrailov had outside help. Whether the escape was carefully planned or an impulsive decision remains an open question. The public is urged to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.