Seven people have been arrested in connection with a large-scale fraud involving money laundering and identity theft, the Brussels-Midi police zone confirmed on Thursday.
The Brussels-Midi police zone's local criminal investigation department searched 12 houses as part of a case involving a large-scale fraud dossier last month. Officers raided homes in Brussels communes, including Anderlecht, Berchem-Sainte-Agathe, Jette and Forest, as well as in the Flemish towns of Aalst and Asse, and Andenne and Waterloo in Wallonia.
A criminal gang carrying out major fraud, money laundering, identity theft and "smishing" (sending fraudulent messages to obtain bank details) was targeted in the house searches. "Stolen identity details and other data were allegedly used to purchase luxury goods such as expensive watches and smartphones on credit," the police said. "The goods were then allegedly resold."
Nearly €425,000 in goods were seized, including €178,775 in cash, 162 iPhones, 60 other smartphones and tablets, designer clothes and nine luxury watches, one of which is estimated to be worth €150,000. Almost €8,000 was frozen in bank accounts.
In total, seven people were arrested, of whom six appeared before the examining magistrate. They have been charged as perpetrators or co-perpetrators of criminal conspiracy, fraud, forgery, handling stolen goods and computer fraud. All were released conditionally.
Three other alleged organisers of the fraud were still being actively sought following the house searches. "One of them presented himself to the police on 30 October and was charged and was arrested the following day," the police said. He admitted to the acts before autumn 2023 but denied involvement since.
