Belgian Police Smash Alleged Human Trafficking Ring in Major Operation
Brussels, Belgium – April 9, 2025
In a sweeping crackdown on human trafficking, Belgian police have dismantled an alleged criminal network accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals across the country. The operation, conducted in the early hours of Tuesday, April 8, 2025, resulted in the arrest of 18 suspects and the rescue of over a dozen potential victims, marking one of the most significant interventions against human trafficking in Belgium this year.
The Federal Judicial Police, in collaboration with Europol and local authorities, executed simultaneous raids across multiple cities, including Brussels, Antwerp, and Charleroi. The targets were properties linked to a sophisticated trafficking ring believed to have been active for at least two years. Authorities seized €50,000 in cash, forged documents, and electronic devices believed to contain evidence of the network’s operations.
According to a statement from the Belgian Federal Prosecutor’s Office, the group allegedly recruited individuals from Eastern Europe and North Africa under false pretenses, promising legitimate employment in Belgium. Once arrived, victims were reportedly coerced into forced labor in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and domestic work, or subjected to sexual exploitation in private prostitution networks. Many lacked legal residency status, increasing their dependency on the traffickers.
“This is a major blow to organized crime in Belgium,” said Eric Van Duyse, a spokesperson for the federal prosecution service. “These networks prey on the most vulnerable, exploiting desperation for profit. Our message is clear: such inhumane activities will not be tolerated.”
The operation, dubbed “Operation Liber,” was the culmination of months of intelligence gathering, spurred by tips from victims who escaped and sought help through Belgium’s national referral mechanism for trafficking survivors. Among the rescued were several women and two minors, all of whom have been placed in specialized reception centers offering psychological support and legal assistance.
Investigators revealed that the trafficking ring operated with a high degree of coordination, using encrypted messaging platforms to arrange victim transport and manage payments. Funds were allegedly laundered through a web of shell companies and transferred abroad, complicating efforts to track the full scope of the enterprise. The arrested suspects, primarily of Belgian and Eastern European origin, face charges of human trafficking, money laundering, and membership in a criminal organization.
The bust comes amid heightened efforts by Belgian authorities to combat human trafficking, a persistent issue in the country due to its role as a transit hub in Europe. Just last year, police shuttered dozens of brothels in Brussels’ red-light district, arresting 23 suspects in a similar operation targeting sexual exploitation. Experts note that while progress has been made, challenges remain, including the identification of victims and the prosecution of high-level organizers who often operate beyond national borders.
“This operation shows our commitment to rooting out exploitation,” said Detective Superintendent Filip Martens of the Federal Judicial Police. “But it’s just one piece of the puzzle. We need public cooperation and international collaboration to dismantle these networks entirely.”
The rescued victims are receiving care from NGOs like PAG-ASA and Payoke, which specialize in supporting trafficking survivors. “These individuals have endured unimaginable hardship,” said Inge Saris, director of Payoke. “Our priority now is ensuring their safety and helping them rebuild their lives.”
As the investigation continues, authorities anticipate more arrests and are urging anyone with information about human trafficking to contact the national hotline at 078 055 800. With the case now in the hands of an investigating judge, Belgium’s fight against modern slavery presses forward, shining a spotlight on the resilience of its law enforcement and the ongoing battle to protect the vulnerable.