Justice Belgium arrests 33 suspects of human smuggling

brussels - The Belgian police have dismantled a large criminal organization on suspicion of human smuggling and trade in false identity papers. 33 suspects were arrested in house searches across the country, reports the Public Prosecution Service.

250 agents were involved in the action in Brussels, Flanders and Wallonia. A total of more than 40,000 euros was seized and material was found for the production of false identity documents.

The investigation into the gang has been running since February and was aimed at two men of African origin, according to the public prosecutor. Ten of the 33 accused suspects were arrested. The people are charged with human smuggling, membership of a criminal organization and forgery.

The suspects are mainly of African origin. Among them are not only counterfeiters and traders but also customers of the organization. In the last two years, the justice system has already rolled up seven similar criminal organizations in Belgium.