Cybercrime targeting Belgian religious communities has come under scrutiny following a series of sophisticated scams involving phishing and fraudulent bank transfers. The troubling case began on 31 July when an 18-year-old attempted to purchase luxury watches in Antwerp using money stolen from a Wetteren monastery’s bank account. By 2025-08-11 22:16:00, police had already arrested the suspect, uncovering a wider network preying on vulnerable groups.
- Achttienjarige verdachte probeerde juwelenzaak oplichten
- Bende gebruikte Anydesk voor kloosterfraude
- Kloosters uit Wetteren, Oudenaarde, Tielt opgelicht
- Phishing richt zich op kwetsbare kloosterordes
- Bisdom Gent waarschuwt voor valse bankmedewerkers
- Politie arresteerde verdachte, onderzoek loopt verder
Monastery sisters in Wetteren, Oudenaarde, and Tielt have fallen victim to these scams, which exploit trust and limited tech knowledge. The scammers impersonated bank employees and used remote access software like Anydesk to manipulate victims into transferring funds. How can such targeted attacks be prevented, and what does this mean for other religious institutions across Belgium?
As investigations continue, the impact on the affected communities is profound, prompting calls for increased vigilance and awareness. The following summary highlights the key facts and local implications.
What lessons can be drawn from this alarming trend? This case shows how cybercriminals exploit trust and technology gaps to commit fraud, especially among older, less tech-savvy populations. Key points include:
- Phishing calls pretending to be bank staff are the primary entry point for fraud.
- Remote access tools like Anydesk are misused to control victims’ computers.
- Multiple monasteries across Flanders have been targeted, indicating a coordinated scheme.
- Police and diocesan authorities emphasize the need for education and caution.
Moving forward, Belgian monasteries and similar institutions must strengthen their digital defenses and remain skeptical of unsolicited calls. Could increased training and better communication prevent future losses? Only through collective vigilance can these trusted communities safeguard their assets and peace of mind.
