Dendermonde is known to be a security risk: In 2006, 28 inmates escaped in one massive exodus now referred to as The Great Escape. The building is old and "hopelessly run-down," according to Luc Neirynck, national secretary of the union that represents prison officers.

This could explain the ease with which the bars were cut, although the tools used in the escape have not been found. It is also overcrowded, designed for 168 but occupied by 250. Because of that overcrowding, Ceni and Martinaj were sharing a cell meant for one, and were both able to escape.

Ceni and Martinaj remained at large as Flanders Today went to press. Only a second or two of the escape was filmed; despite investment in camera equipment since the 2006 escape, the route taken by the two was not covered. They were also able to cut electrical wire separating the prison from an adjacent building - which belongs to the federal judicial police.