Belgian law enforcement has intensified efforts against phishing scams, uncovering a network that laundered stolen funds through cryptocurrency. This initiative is part of a larger crackdown on organized financial crime prevalent in Belgium and the Netherlands.
#How Do Phishing Gangs Operate?
Understanding the methods used by phishing gangs is crucial. This particular group employed a tactic known as vishing, which stands for voice phishing. They bypassed traditional phishing emails by directly calling potential victims and impersonating bank officials or police officers.
The gang primarily targeted elderly individuals in Belgium, leveraging vulnerability to gain access to sensitive information. In some alarming instances, the group dispatched members to victims' homes, claiming to be officials to retrieve bank cards and other confidential materials.
The group's operations were primarily based in Rotterdam and several Dutch cities, with most victims residing in Belgium.
#What Happened During the European Takedown?
In November 2022, Eurojust, the EU’s judicial cooperation agency, began coordinating a vigorous investigation into this criminal organization. Following eight coordination meetings, the operation culminated in December 2024. When the time was right, law enforcement agencies simultaneously arrested eight individuals, evenly split between Belgium and the Netherlands. They executed 17 search operations, leading to the seizure of electronic devices, luxury items, and cash.
Europol played a significant role in providing analytical support, and the total estimated loss attributed to this group amounts to several million euros.
#Why Is Phishing on the Rise in Belgium?
Phishing incidents are alarmingly increasing across Belgium. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, over 3.6 million phishing cases were reported, which is shocking given the country's population of approximately 11.5 million.
Additionally, authorities dismantled another phishing group operating in East Flanders in June 2026, resulting in three arrests and more than €100,000 defrauded from victims. While this operation was smaller, it employed similar deceptive techniques that highlight the growing threat of phishing in Belgium and beyond.