International operation against ‘phone phishing’ gang in Belgium and the Netherlands

Europol has supported Belgian and Dutch authorities in an international operation against a ‘phone phishing’ gang that has led to the arrest of 8 suspects. On the action day, law enforcement also carried out 17 searches in different locations in Belgium and the Netherlands. 

Although most of the criminal activities took place in Belgium, the main perpetrators mostly operated from the Netherlands. Besides committing large-scale ‘phishing’ campaigns and trying to gain access to financial data by phone or online, the suspects also pretended to be police or banking staff and approached older victims at their doors.

After committing their criminal activities, the suspects spent all the victims’ money buying luxury watches and jewellery, and partying dressed in designer clothes at expensive clubs. Authorities believe that the victims are based in at least 10 European countries and that the economic damages amount to several millions of euros.

Overall results of the action day:

• 8 suspects arrested (4 in Netherlands, 4 in Belgium)
• 17 searches
• Seizure of electronic devices, luxury watches and jewellery
• Seizure of large amounts of cash
• Seizure of a firearm

Europol’s contribution began in 2022

Belgian authorities conducted their first investigations in 2022 with the support of Europol and Eurojust. As the main suspects were Dutch citizens, Dutch authorities opened their own investigation in 2023. A few months later, an operational task force was created to investigate the high-value targets involved in the above-mentioned criminal activities and dismantle the gang. 

During the course of the investigation, Europol brought all partners together to ease effective coordination and facilitated the exchange of information between Member States. Europol’s experts also provided national authorities with analytical and financial support. 

As of 2022, Eurojust was also involved to support the investigations at judicial level. Eurojust organised eight coordination meetings to enable the cooperation with the Dutch authorities and support the operation against the OCG.

Do not take the bait

With regard to this case, Belgian and Dutch authorities have issued specific warnings to citizens.

• Do not trust correspondence allegedly from banks stating that accounts need an urgent update.
• Do not trust messages that phone accounts have been locked and need an update.
• Be careful when buying goods via second-hand sites when sellers ask for an initial payment of EUR 0.001.
• Make sure URL links start with ‘https://’.

What can you do if you click something?

• Use antivirus software on all your electronic devices.
• Ensure that your security software and operating systems are up-to-date.
• Set up unique passwords for all your online accounts.
• Think twice before clicking on any links and attachments as criminals could be trying to ‘phish’ or ‘smish’ you. If in doubt, do not click links, open attachments or reply and certainly do not give out any financial information.

Authorities involved in the investigation:

• Belgium: Federal PPO (Federaal Parket); Investigating Judge Court of First Instance Antwerp, section Mechelen (Onderzoeksrechter van Rechtbank van Eerste Aanleg Antwerpen, sectie Mechelen); Federal Judicial Police East-Flanders (Federale Gerechtelijke Politie Oost-Vlaanderen)
• The Netherlands: PPO Rotterdam (Openbaar Ministerie Rotterdam); National Police (Nationale Politie – Eenheid Rotterdam)

Agencies involved in the investigation:

• Europol
• Eurojust