International Manhunt for Genk Man Who Set Wife on Fire

A 43-year-old Afghan man from Genk, Belgium, who was sentenced to 10 years in prison for setting his wife on fire has gone into hiding, prompting Belgian authorities to issue an international alert for his arrest. Khairullah Mohammadi failed to report to police following his sentencing on July 14, and as of July 17, he is the subject of an international manhunt, according to VRT NWS.

The Attack and Its Aftermath

The case dates back to August 31, 2023, when Mohammadi, during a heated argument, poured heating oil over his wife and set her on fire in their family home in Genk — all in the presence of their minor son. Multiple gas canisters had been prepared in the kitchen, suggesting he intended to blow up the house.

The victim, now 34 and the mother of their four children, managed to run outside, attempted to extinguish the flames with a garden hose, and called emergency services herself. Neighbors did not intervene. Mohammadi eventually drove his wife to the hospital, where he abandoned her, then returned home, where police found and arrested him.

The victim suffered severe burns to her chest, hands, and face, leaving her permanently disfigured despite multiple surgeries. As VRT NWS reported at the time, she was initially transferred to a burn center in critical condition.

Trial and Sentencing

At the trial in Tongeren in June 2026, the court heard a harrowing account of years of domestic abuse. According to VRT NWS, Mohammadi had become addicted to cocaine after the family moved to Genk, growing increasingly paranoid and violent. He regularly beat his wife and four children and forced his wife to use drugs.

Their son told police that his father had repeatedly threatened to set the mother on fire and blow up the house. After his arrest, Mohammadi changed his story multiple times — first claiming a gas stove flash caused the fire, then alleging his wife had set herself ablaze.

On July 14, 2026, the court found Mohammadi guilty of attempted murder, reclassifying the charge from attempted manslaughter. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison, with immediate arrest ordered, a 10-year deprivation of rights, and compensation to the victim and son (amount to be determined). The sentence exceeded the 7 years requested by the prosecution, as VRT NWS detailed.

The International Manhunt

Mohammadi was not present in court when the verdict was read. He has since filed an appeal, maintaining his innocence. However, he failed to report to police as required, and authorities have now issued an international wanted notice — equivalent to an Interpol Red Notice — through the Schengen Information System.

“He is now internationally wanted,” Marijke Teunis of the Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to VRT NWS.

Vanessa Penninger, Mohammadi’s defense lawyer, insists her client is still in Belgium and plans to turn himself in. “We have agreed that he will report to the police today. He is simply in Belgium, so he has certainly not fled,” she said, calling the international alert excessive.

Victim Safety Concerns

The victim’s lawyer, Charlotte Eyckmans, has expressed grave concerns for her client’s safety. She has requested a contact ban and a panic button for the victim, fearing Mohammadi may try to harm her again. The couple has since divorced, but Mohammadi continued to threaten his ex-wife, reportedly saying he would return to Afghanistan to marry a 14-year-old girl while claiming she could never remarry.

“There is also no form of insight into his guilt. That makes it extra painful,” Eyckmans said.

Broader Implications

The case has reignited discussions in Belgium about the effectiveness of protective measures for domestic violence victims. Despite a documented history of abuse and threats, the victim was not adequately protected before the August 2023 attack. The request for a panic button highlights systemic gaps in victim protection, particularly when perpetrators evade justice.

As an Afghan national, Mohammadi could potentially flee to Afghanistan, though extradition arrangements remain complicated. The appeal process could take months or even years, and if Mohammadi remains at large, the appeal hearing may proceed in his absence.

What’s Next

Authorities continue to search for Mohammadi, who is believed to still be in Belgium according to his lawyer. The international alert means law enforcement agencies across borders can arrest him for extradition. Meanwhile, the victim awaits protective measures and the outcome of the appeal process, which will determine the final compensation she and her son are entitled to receive.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence and the challenges authorities face in ensuring victim safety when perpetrators go to ground.