Phishers Nabbed in International Sting

In a major international crackdown, Belgian and Dutch authorities, supported by Europol and Eurojust, have dismantled a phone phishing gang responsible for large-scale financial fraud across Europe. The operation resulted in eight arrests and significant seizures.

Action Day Results

Law enforcement executed 17 coordinated searches across Belgium and the Netherlands, culminating in:

• Eight suspects were arrested (four in Belgium, four in the Netherlands)
• Seizure of electronic devices, luxury watches, and jewelry
• Confiscation of large sums of cash and a firearm

The Criminal Scheme

The gang, based mainly in the Netherlands, conducted widespread phishing campaigns to steal financial data from victims in at least 10 European countries. Posing as police or bank employees, they targeted older individuals both online and in person.

After draining victims’ accounts, the stolen funds were used for extravagant purchases, including designer clothing, luxury watches, and jewelry, and were flaunted at high-end parties.

Authorities estimate the economic ...