Two months ago, there was an action day in a large international undermining investigation. The efforts of the investigation team have continued unabated since then. This has now resulted in the arrest of five more individuals and various seizures.
In early February, six individuals were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the import and export of narcotics. In addition to participation in a criminal organization, there are also suspicions of large-scale money laundering activities. Several transport companies played a crucial role in the transportation of the narcotics that were transported from South America, via the ports of Antwerp and further through the Netherlands to the United Kingdom. The cocaine was transported in hollow metal cylinders, battery packs with hidden compartments, and concealed in mini-excavators. The suspects transported tens of thousands of kilograms of cocaine over the years with this method, earning tens of millions of euros. You can read previous reports about this investigation here and here. For some time now, a police investigation team in Limburg has been working on this investigation. The team is closely collaborating with various partners such as the FIOD, Belgian and English authorities, and other investigative teams.
Multiple Arrests
As a result of this collaboration, significant progress has been made in this investigation. In early April, five more individuals were arrested.
A 42-year-old man from Geleen was arrested on suspicion of manufacturing large cylinders used to conceal the cocaine. This 42-year-old may await the trial in freedom. Additionally, a 44-year-old man from Amstenrade was arrested. He is suspected of money laundering. He too may await the trial in freedom.
A 31-year-old woman from Meers (Elsloo) was arrested two weeks ago. She is the partner of one of the main suspects. She is suspected of large-scale money laundering of criminal proceeds and forgery. The preliminary detention of the woman was extended by 90 days on April 24.
The parents of one of the main suspects were also arrested. They are suspected of money laundering.
The prosecution plans to reclaim millions of euros from all four main suspects. Financial gain is the primary motivation for committing such criminal offenses. In criminal investigations like this, the suspects are not only prosecuted criminally but also face confiscation claims. After all, crime should never pay. The confiscation of criminal assets is thus an important part of the fight against organized crime.
As a security measure, various luxury and valuable goods, such as boats, cars, designer clothing, and jewelry have been seized. The father of one of the main suspects is suspected of attempting to conceal such items from the seizure by hiding them. Both parents were released after their interrogation, awaiting the trial.
Searches
Recently, several searches took place at various locations in the search for money and valuable items. At an address in Geulle, expensive watches, a scooter (exclusive version), and an e-bike were seized. At an address in Meers, exclusive jewelry, bags, and watches were seized. At another address in Geulle, even more expensive jewelry was seized.
The large-scale international investigation continues unabated. More arrests and seizures are certainly not ruled out.