A sophisticated gang suspected of cloning fuel cards and stealing fuel for resale has been dismantled following a coordinated operation by the Federal Judicial Police (FGP) in East Flanders. The bust resulted in 17 arrests, with police raiding properties in both Belgium and Romania.
The investigation was triggered after a cloning device was found on a card reader at a petrol station. This led the East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office, based in Dendermonde, to launch an extensive probe into the illegal operation.
The investigation quickly revealed a large-scale scheme in which the criminals installed skimming devices at several petrol stations. These devices allowed them to clone fuel cards, which were then used to steal large quantities of fuel from unsuspecting victims.
According to the findings, once the fuel cards were cloned, the thieves used them to refuel trucks and vans equipped with 1000-litre plastic barrels.
The stolen fuel was then sold to transport companies and other buyers, generating significant profits for the criminal network. The total estimated damage caused by the gang’s activities is believed to exceed €350,000.
The investigation also revealed that a number of the suspects were residing in Romania. As a result, the East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office coordinated with the Romanian Public Prosecutor’s Office to conduct searches and make arrests across both countries.
On January 21, a series of house searches were carried out in Belgium, with eight properties in Brussels and one in Zulte targeted.
Six individuals were arrested during these raids, and the suspects were brought before an investigating judge in Ghent. Three of the Belgian suspects have already been formally charged.
Simultaneously, a further 16 house searches were executed in Romania, where police arrested 11 individuals connected to the scheme.
Two of those arrested in Romania were detained under a European Arrest Warrant and are expected to be extradited to Belgium for further investigation and prosecution.
The coordinated action marks a significant victory in the fight against organized crime across borders. The collaborative efforts between Belgian and Romanian authorities highlight the growing importance of international cooperation in tackling transnational criminal operations.
The East Flanders Federal Judicial Police continue their investigation as they work to uncover the full extent of the gang’s network and identify other potential victims.
With the arrests made and further legal proceedings underway, authorities are hopeful that this bust will disrupt the illegal activities and prevent future fraud involving fuel cards.
