Belgian Authorities Arrest Leaders of $572K Vishing Gang

Belgian law enforcement has arrested eight individuals linked to a vishing operation that defrauded victims of approximately $572,000. The gang targeted elderly individuals, posing as bank officials or police officers to extract sensitive information. The operation was coordinated with Dutch authorities and involved simultaneous arrests in both countries. Eurojust coordinated the investigation, which began in November 2022 and culminated in December 2024. The group laundered stolen funds through cryptocurrency, contributing to a broader rise in phishing crimes in Belgium, with over 3.6 million incidents reported in Q1 2026. A separate phishing ring was also dismantled in East Flanders in June 2026, indicating a growing trend in such criminal activities.

Key Points: • Eight individuals arrested in a coordinated vishing operation across Belgium and the Netherlands. • Victims primarily included elderly individuals, with losses estimated at $572,000. • Belgium reported over 3.6 million phishing incidents in the first quarter of 2026.