A police investigation has led to the arrest of 23 people and the seizure of over €6 million in a large-scale red diesel laundering operation.
The investigation, which began in July 2023, targeted two intertwined criminal organisations involved in laundering red diesel and fraudulently selling it as white diesel at fuel stations. These sales allowed the groups to generate significant income while avoiding excise duties.
Raids conducted in October and November 2024, mainly in the Namur region, led to the arrest of the operation's organiser, the red diesel supplier, and the purchaser – a family-run group of fuel stations, reportedly Namur-based Pessleux. They claim they were unaware the diesel was laundered.
During 71 police raids, 23 arrests were made and seals were placed at eight fuel stations. Five active laundering installations in Zutendaal, Hensies, Namur, Marcinelle, and Jeumont (France), were dismantled, and a mobile unit was found in Namur. These facilities had laundered at least 30 million litres of diesel. Authorities seized €5.94 million from bank accounts and €355,435 in cash.
The police estimate the minimum financial loss to the Belgian State at €25 million, excluding environmental damage from contaminated bleaching earth.
