For a fugitive on the run from the law, having a social media presence should be the last thing to engage in, unless you’re Belgian national, Frank Murugi. A Tik Tok star known as ‘Frank De Tank’ who has now been arrested in Kenya on drug trafficking charges.

His over 1 million followers who had could not believe the ‘Frank De Tank’ was a drug trafficking fugitive on the run from justice in Europe.

The 42-year-old fled to Kenya in 2017 and rented a house in Nairobi’s leafy suburbs of Milimani, where he lived with his 22-year-old girlfriend. He then capitalized on his rising popularity among Kenyans and opened the video sharing channel which gained quick popularity that has now led authorities in Belgium to come for him.

His extravagant lifestyle where he splurging money on supercars and high-end exotic resorts also drew scrutiny from local police.

Frank’s true identity was revealed after he was deported to Belgium last week after reports revealed he had been wanted for allegedly raising Ksh.452 million (€ 3.5 million) as drug trafficking proceeds.

The father of two is said to be one of the prime suspects in one of Belgium’s most serious crime cases.

According to international media reports, Frank and his friend El Hajjioui Nordin were suspected leaders of a gang that trafficked over 2000 tons of cocaine in 2015 and 2016.

Nordin is said to have been sentenced in absentia to 40 years in prison, but has since fled to the United Arab Emirates, specifically Dubai. Belgian authorities have requested his extradition, but the UAE has denied the request.

Frank, who had previously worked as a dock worker at the Belgian port, was then arrested and questioned. Later, he agreed to work with the police to assist in the arrest of the trafficking syndicate.

He jumped bail and fled to Kenya in 2017. His trial began on February 11, 2022 and he may be jailed for 12 years.