The boyfriend of a 36-year-old French teacher who was gruesomely tortured and shot dead has been seized by police accused of her murder.

Olivia Botusan had left her native Romania eight years ago to find a new life in Belgium.

But she was found dead in her apartment in Etterbeek on 19th May after suffering horrific torture, her sister Alexandra Botusan confirmed.

Olivia Botusan poses with her child in undated photo. Her lifeless body was found in Etterbeek, Belgium, on May 19, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

Her 42-year-old Romanian national lover, who was found in the flat when neighbours called police, was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody.

Romanian emigration expert Daniel Caslariu explained: "Olivia had a tragic fate.

"After several hours of unimaginable torment, the sort we can't really imagine, she was shot to death."

And the Romanian consul in Brussels Annelice Serban confirmed: "The medical certificate stated that the death occurred as a result of murder, namely shooting."

Olivia Botusan poses in undated photo. Her lifeless body was found in Etterbeek, Belgium, on May 19, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

Mum-of-two Olivia has a 13-year-old son being cared for by relatives in Romania and a two-year-old daughter in the care of welfare officials in Belgium.

Her brutal killing shocked friends and family in Romania.

One friend Laura Ilisai said: "An extraordinary woman, a sensitive woman. She loved her children."

Olivia Botusan poses in undated photo. Her lifeless body was found in Etterbeek, Belgium, on May 19, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

Another pal Anamaria Semeniuc added: "Olivia was my childhood friend, my neighbour, we grew up together.

"She was sometimes perhaps too trusting and she always saw the good in everyone."

(MJ Leidig/newsX)