150 businesses inspected in Noord-Brabant: illegal housing and crypto mining uncovered
Over 150 businesses in Noord-Brabant faced inspections for safety, environmental, and labor violations. Authorities found illegal housing, undeclared work, and a cryptocurrency mining farm with tampered electricity meters, impacting local safety and compliance.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Inspection Period | March 4–12, 2026 |
| Businesses Inspected | ~150 (industrial estates in Hart van Brabant, including Waalwijk) |
| Violations Found | ~30 (fire safety, environmental, undeclared work) |
| Illegal Housing | 4 buildings (converted to living spaces without permits) |
| Undeclared Work | Multiple cases (benefit fraud under investigation) |
| Notable Discovery | Cryptocurrency mining farm in Waspik (illegal electricity use, cannabis equipment seized) |
| Collaborating Agencies | Police, UWV, Enexis, Customs, Environmental Service MWB, Labour Inspectorate |
| Municipalities Involved | Dongen, Gilze en Rijen, Goirle, Tilburg, Hilvarenbeek, Loon op Zand, Oisterwijk, Waalwijk |
The Administrative Intervention Team (BIT) Hart van Brabant is a regional collaboration of municipalities focused on combating organized crime and regulatory violations. Its role includes enforcing safety, environmental, and labor laws to protect businesses and residents from illegal activities and hazards.
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BIT Hart van Brabant inspects 150 businesses during enforcement days
From March 4 to March 12, 2026, the Administrative Intervention Team (BIT) Hart van Brabant inspected approximately 150 businesses on industrial estates in the district. Inspections also took place in the municipality of Waalwijk. Supervisors conducted these checks over six enforcement days. They examined the use of buildings and sites, as well as compliance with environmental and fire safety regulations and potential signs of criminal activity.
The inspections were carried out in collaboration with the police, UWV, and Enexis. In some cases, customs authorities, the Environmental Service MWB, the Safe Entrepreneurship Platform, and the Dutch Labour Inspectorate were also present.
Purpose of the inspections
The supervisors investigated the actual use of business premises. Not all businesses are registered with the Chamber of Commerce, which sometimes makes it unclear what activities are taking place in a building.
Supervisors also focused on fire safety, environmental regulations, and potential undeclared work. In addition, they spoke with entrepreneurs about risks and how they can contribute to a safe business environment in the region, including in the municipality of Waalwijk.
Results of the inspections
In most cases, businesses were found to be compliant. However, supervisors identified violations at around thirty businesses, primarily related to environmental and fire safety. For example, fire extinguishers were sometimes missing, and hazardous substances were not always stored correctly.
Some of these inspections took place on industrial estates in the municipality of Waalwijk.
Suspicion of illegal occupation
In four buildings, there were suspicions of illegal occupation. Parts of commercial buildings had been converted into living spaces without the necessary permits. These cases are being investigated further.
Suspicion of undeclared work
Supervisors also found several individuals receiving benefits from UWV or the municipality who had not reported additional employment. These situations are also being investigated further.
Notable discovery in Waspik
During an inspection of a warehouse in Waspik (municipality of Waalwijk), the BIT discovered a so-called mining farm—a facility with computers used for cryptocurrency mining that consumes large amounts of electricity. Grid operator Enexis found that the meter box had been tampered with and that electricity was being used illegally.
The power supply has been disconnected, and Enexis will invoice the costs. In the same warehouse, police also found equipment used for cannabis cultivation, which was seized. The mayor of Waalwijk immediately ordered the closure of the premises.
Vulnerability of industrial estates
Industrial estates can sometimes attract criminals seeking to remain undetected. They may use buildings for drug production or storage, or for storing stolen goods or housing migrant workers under poor conditions.
This can lead to fire hazards, intimidation of entrepreneurs, and deterioration of the area. Through inspections and education, the BIT is working to create safe and clean industrial estates, including in the municipality of Waalwijk.
Collaboration within BIT Hart van Brabant
Since October 1, 2023, the municipalities of Dongen, Gilze en Rijen, Goirle, Tilburg, Hilvarenbeek, Loon op Zand, Oisterwijk, and Waalwijk have been working together in the Administrative Intervention Team Hart van Brabant. This team focuses on combating organized crime and undermining. The BIT regularly conducts inspections at locations where signs of potential misconduct or violations have been identified.
Reporting helps
Governments cannot tackle crime alone. Signals from residents and entrepreneurs help stop misconduct.
Reports can be made via:
- Police: 112 in emergencies or 0900-8844
- The municipality: waalwijk.nl/meldingdoen
- Crime Stoppers Anonymous: 0800-7000 or www.meldmisdaadanoniem.nl