A €5 million Designer Diesel fraud operation was dismantled in Liège and Charleroi, according to a statement released on Wednesday by the Liège Public Prosecutor's Office.
Customs officials conducted 11 searches on 26 and 27 March in the regions of Liège and Charleroi as part of an investigation into a criminal organisation involved in the Designer Diesel trade.
This type of fraud involves repurposing Designer Diesel, a lubricant derived from diesel, to use as fuel, thereby avoiding the excise duties imposed on road fuels. Designer Diesel is predominantly produced in Eastern European countries.
The police operation successfully apprehended the criminals behind the operations, along with some clients who were aware of the product's illegal origins, according to the Liège Public Prosecutor's Office.
Six individuals were arrested and detained. After appearing before the investigating judge, three of them were charged.
The raids also resulted in the seizure of nearly €600,000 in cash, 1.5 kg of gold bullion, 11 vehicles, including several high-end models, over 80 luxury items such as clothing, leather goods and watches, as well as an undeclared shotgun and handgun.
Following the operation, a fourth person has been charged, and one suspect remains at large. The investigation is ongoing.
