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An international operation supported by EU agencies Europol and Eurojust has dismantled a "phone phishing" gang operating across Belgium and the Netherlands, resulting in the arrest of eight suspects.
The coordinated action, conducted by Belgian and Dutch authorities, included 17 searches and the seizure of electronic devices, luxury items, cash and a firearm.
The gang is accused of running large-scale phishing campaigns, using phone and online scams to steal financial data across at least ten European countries.
They also impersonated police or banking staff, targeting older victims at their homes. After defrauding victims, the suspects used the stolen money to purchase luxury watches, jewellery and designer clothes, frequently flaunting their wealth at upscale clubs.
Authorities estimate the gang caused millions of euros in economic damages, with the main perpetrators primarily operating from the Netherlands and most of the criminal activities occurring in Belgium.
