Belgium Grapples with Sophisticated Organized Crime Groups

Transnational Organized Crime in Belgium

A wave of transnational organized crime is sweeping through Belgium, with foreign groups involved in drug trafficking, arms dealing, and human smuggling. Despite efforts by authorities to crack down on these criminal networks, the country remains a key hub for illicit activities.

Key Players Involved

• Turkish organized crime groups: active in drug trafficking, arms deals, and human smuggling
• Dutch gangs: involved in all aspects of drug trafficking, from production to export
• Romanian groups: specialize in human trafficking and labor exploitation
• Italian and Albanian criminal organizations: locked in a violent struggle for control of the drug trade

Domestic Organized Crime Groups

In Belgium itself, mafia-style groups, including biker gangs, are active in arms and drug trafficking as well as sexual exploitation. Collaboration between these groups and Spanish criminal organizations has raised concerns about overlapping membership with lower-level state institutions.

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

• Despite good governance and commitment to human rights, Belgium faces challenges in combating organized crime
• Budget cuts have left law enforcement agencies understaffed and under-resourced
• The government has recognized the threat posed by organized crime and has declared it a priority, adopting a National Security Strategy that includes fighting organized crime as a key objective

International Cooperation and Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

• Belgium has ratified international conventions against organized crime and participates in regional cooperation bodies such as Europol and Interpol
• The country’s vulnerability to organized crime is heightened by its location on major trafficking routes for drugs and human smuggling
• Steps have been taken to address money laundering, including launching a new platform aimed at sharing information and best practices

Concerns and Future Directions

• Concerns remain about the prioritization of predicate offenses over money laundering investigations
• The country’s competitiveness has improved in recent years, but tax rates, labor regulations, and tax laws remain problematic for businesses
• Civil society plays an important role in supporting victims of organized crime, including those affected by human trafficking
• Press freedom has retreated in recent years due to police violence, online hate speech against journalists, and government restrictions on reporting

Conclusion

As Belgium continues to grapple with the threat posed by organized crime, it is clear that a coordinated effort between law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and the private sector will be necessary to effectively combat these sophisticated criminal networks.