A bar in the Sint-Bartholomeusstraat in the Antwerp district of Merksem has been ordered to close for 2 months due to clear indications it was being used in human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of girls. Antwerp mayor Bart De Wever took the decision to close the bar. At the premises a hookah lounge was also being operated without the necessary licence.
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Antwerp bar ordered to close after suspected human trafficking and exploitation of minors
Colin Clapson
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During a recent inspection of the bar, police encountered five scantily clad women and girls, including three minors. Presumably, the women and girls were employed as female companions. Some of the women and girls were also carrying pouches containing cash. Behind the bar, police found notes showing daily income. The documents listed the names of two of the girls, along with a specific amount. One of the girls was reported missing in the Netherlands. She has been handed over to the Dutch authorities.
The business also operated as a hookah lounge but one that did not possess the necessary licence. Several customers did not have the right documents to be in Belgium. The doorman too was undocumented. In the basement, police found canisters of laughing gas as well as bags of balloons. Several people were working, though their earnings were not being reported. The bar’s owner denied any illegal goings on at her premises and as this meant illegal practices could continue, Mayor De Wever decided to intervene.