Antwerp police have shut down an illegal dental practice in the Merksem district, which was operating under "appalling" hygiene conditions.
Police investigated the "Magic Dental Centre" at the request of the labour auditor, and found signs of an active dental practice.
In a press release, police confirmed they found laboratory equipment and various medical devices that were ready for use. They added that the hygiene situation was "appalling".
Although there were no staff present in the building, police found several sleeping places set up in an adjacent warehouse, which they said suggests workers at the illegal dental practice were being exploited.
Police said that a potential human trafficking operation for exploitation purposes is also under investigation.
Police visiting the premises were joined by a health inspector from the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (INAMI) and inspectors from the National Office for Social Security (ONSS).
