Philippine police have arrested a Belgian fugitive wanted for 'committing heinous crimes' in his home country.

Kristof Debie, 38, worked as a fashion model but had also allegedly moonlighted as a gangster involved in a drug syndicate. Before Belgian authorities could arrest him, he allegedly fled to Dubai before flying to the Philippines, where he was believed to have been planning to stay long-term.

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) launched an investigation after an Interpol red notice was issued for Kristof in March.

Officials tracked him down and detained him at a hotel in Paranaque City in the capital Manila on October 17.

BI-FSU chief Rendel Sy said: 'According to the Interpol red notice, the suspect is wanted on multiple offenses, including the torture of minors, and unlawful and arbitrary detention. One of Kristof's victims, a minor, was reported to have had their ear cut off.'

Authorities said they are now investigating if the Belgian fugitive has established a cocaine smuggling network in the country.

In a statement, the BI said: 'A European arrest warrant was issued against the suspect by the Court of First Instance of East Flanders, Ghent Section in Belgium, for multiple grave offenses, including the torture of minors, participation in a criminal organization, and serious drug-related charges in violation of the Belgian Penal Code.

'Reports from foreign news outlets have detailed the heinous nature of his crimes, including an incident where he severed the ear of a 17-year-old boy after losing a stash of cocaine.'

Kristof has been taken to the Bureau of Immigration (BI) detention centre in Taguig City pending deportation.

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said: 'Fugitives are not welcome in the Philippines. We are committed to upholding the law. We will not allow our country to be a safe haven for those who seek to escape justice.'