13 people were arrested in an investigation into a social fraud network in Turkish-Bulgarian areas in Ghent, the Federal Police announced on Friday.
The suspects are thought to be part of a group involved in economic exploitation, money laundering, and social fraud.
According to the federal authorities, through a network of companies the gang would employ people, mainly of Bulgarian origin, to do undeclared work in labour-intensive sectors such as construction or cleaning. The workers were allegedly almost never registered as employees with the National Social Security Office (NSSO).
The operations are thought to involve (front) companies and post office box addresses, as well as front figures, to launder illegal funds and commit social fraud. Whenever one of the companies faced any issue it would immediately be replaced by a new one, which then would continue the criminal activities.
The arrests took place after 13 house searches around Ghent, carried out on 17 October by the East Flanders Federal Judicial Police (FGP) and the NSSO. The suspects were taken in for questioning.
During the house searches, the police also seized multiple documents, five luxury cars, and expensive watches. The authorities also found evidence that the network is potentially involved in a housing scam.
Over 80 police officers and 15 NSSO inspectors took part in the large-scale operation, which included assistance from local police officers and the Dog Support Directorate of the Federal Police.
The investigation was initiated at the request of the East Flanders Labour auditor. Other investigations into similar criminal groups are ongoing.
