Abrasax Institute

The Abrasax Institute was a Satanic cult, described as a gnostic sect, which briefly became the center of attention during the Dutroux investigation around December 1996. The institute was officially described as being involved in the study and experimental research of human psychological and psychotronic faculties, as well as the development of alternative techniques in psychotherapy. The institute was led by Francis Desmedt, who used the cult name "Anubis." A note found in a cabin belonging to Bernard Weinstein was used as the basis for a police raid on the Abrasax Institute. The note, signed "Anubis" and addressed to Bernard Weinstein, read: "Bernard, don't forget that the feast is nearing and that the high priestess expects her present, Anubis."¹

Details of the investigation into the cult were leaked to journalists, who circulated reports of satanic child sacrifices. The Abrasax Institute was raided, nothing was found, and the credibility of the broader Dutroux investigation was harmed. It turned out that a few police officers were members of the Abrasax Institute, including a municipal police officer from Charleroi, Belgium who had been a member and treasurer for several years. The institute's leaders were tipped off to the investigation prior to the searches. The X-Dossier contains witness testimony linking Abrasax to black mass rituals where attendees included Armand Van Ghysegham, and one witness stated that during a black mass at Abrasax a man died.¹

Connection to Spartacus Network

Armand Van Ghysegham, a book publisher operating as Aba-Vangh and a member of the Abrasax Institute, was linked to John Stamford through an X-Dossier entry dated 16 January 1997. Ghysegham's former employees confirmed he was a pedophile who participated in black mass rituals at the Abrasax Institute and frequently visited Thailand. Ghysegham's bankruptcy in 1995 coincided with John Stamford's trial in Belgium. A note in the X-Dossier stated that the Stamford file was linked to Dutroux-Nihoul and that Van Ghysegham was a friend of Stamford, establishing a direct connection between the Abrasax Institute and the Spartacus Network.¹