Sixteen people have been arrested in Romania and Belgium on suspicion of stealing approximately 70 cargo shipments since 2024. The operation, coordinated by the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust), included 65 searches. On November 3, Romanian authorities arrested 11 people, while Belgian authorities arrested five others.
The suspects allegedly claimed to represent a transport company, obtained contracts to deliver valuable goods, and intercepted the shipments after taking possession of them. The stolen products, including electronics, household appliances, cereals, cosmetics, and alcoholic beverages, were allegedly resold later.
According to investigators, the group was formed in March 2024 and controlled several companies, which had approximately 35 employees involved in transport operations from Romania and other European countries. The group members allegedly forged identity and transport documents, as well as license plates.
The five people arrested in Belgium are in pretrial detention. The investigation is continuing in cooperation with the Romanian police to establish the full extent of the damage and determine responsibility.
In the case of damaged parcels or missing goods, senders must accurately declare the value of the products and retain the transport documents. Compensation may be requested up to the declared value, and in cases of theft, affected parties may contact the police or the court.
Context: Before the case involving intercepted shipments, European authorities had also conducted other major investigations into cross-border fraud
Prior to the operation coordinated by Eurojust, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) announced searches and seizures in an investigation into alleged fraud involving mobile phones sold online as new, with estimated losses of approximately 300 million euros. The operation took place in 19 European countries, including Romania, and the investigation also concerned VAT losses in several countries.
In another case, Belgian authorities temporarily seized 28 trucks belonging to a Romanian company suspected of social fraud and exploiting drivers, following an inspection in Kortenberg. The checks focused on working conditions and how social obligations were being met; several employees were questioned, although there were no arrests or detentions at the time.
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