A major arms trafficking investigation led to the arrest of 16 individuals in Brussels on September 30 and October 1, 2025. The network is suspected of importing and distributing counterfeit semi-automatic firearms within the Brussels-Capital Region.
Details of the Operation
Law enforcement, including the Special Units of the federal police, conducted operations across various locations. Nineteen firearms were seized, alongside eight vehicles and €27,000 in cash. Nine of the arrested were detained on charges related to criminal organization membership, weapon possession, and arms sale.
Brussels as a Distribution Hub
The criminal network had established its main distribution point in Brussels, supplying clients both domestically and abroad. According to authorities, the seized counterfeit firearms, known as “ghost weapons,” are preferred in criminal circles due to their difficulty in traceability and ready availability on the black market. Investigators also found strong ties to criminal groups outside Belgium, facilitating cross-border weapon transport.
