International Operation Targets Organised Crime in Belgian Meat Sector
Belgian authorities, in a significant operation coordinated by Europol, arrested 18 individuals on September 23 in Liège and Sankt Vith. The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into organised crime within the meat processing sector, which has uncovered illicit activities involving foreign workers, counterfeit documents, and sophisticated money laundering schemes. The operation saw extensive collaboration with German, French, and Portuguese law enforcement agencies.
Unveiling the Criminal Network's Modus Operandi
The investigation revealed that criminal organisations were allegedly employing foreign workers using counterfeit Portuguese documents. These groups are also suspected of operating elaborate money laundering systems designed to benefit other criminal networks. Belgian federal judicial police, leading the effort, focused on intermediaries linked to so-called 'Brazilian networks'. These networks reportedly supplied international labourers and facilitated cash payments and fake invoicing as a means to launder illicit funds.
Exploited Administrative Loopholes and Broad Cooperation
Authorities identified several administrative loopholes that were exploited by these criminal groups. These included Portugal's lenient residency permit laws for non-EU nationals, the ease of creating Portuguese companies online, and insufficient oversight regarding worker postings and social security compliance. The operation involved a substantial deployment of personnel, including 46 local and federal police officers, supported by officers from Portugal and Germany, as well as French gendarmes. Their collective efforts were crucial in verifying identity documents and accessing European databases.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Implications
Beyond the immediate arrests, the operation yielded valuable intelligence on subcontracting networks active across Belgium, Portugal, and France. This information is expected to pave the way for further cross-border investigations. The multi-agency effort also included labour auditors, prosecutors, the Immigration Office, financial crime experts, social security inspectors, and document fraud specialists, highlighting the complex nature of the crimes being tackled. The 18 arrests were administrative, and the probe continues to uncover evidence of broader criminal activity within the sector.
5 Comments
Bella Ciao
What about the big companies and employers who directly benefited from this?
Donatello
The arrests are a crucial step in disrupting these networks, but we must ensure that the exploited foreign workers are offered protection and assistance, not just seen as part of the problem.
Michelangelo
Only "administrative arrests"? That sounds incredibly weak.
Raphael
This operation demonstrates effective multi-agency effort, however, the fact that only administrative arrests were made indicates the investigation is far from over and tougher legal action is still required.
Bermudez
Fantastic cross-border cooperation! More of this is needed.