A Belgian-French police investigation has led to the arrest of 19 suspects believed to be involved in the large-scale theft and resale of jewellery, diamonds and precious metals. In Belgium, 10 people were arrested, including 5 Antwerp jewellers. They allegedly sold stolen jewellery and watches and also possessed melting machines for the stolen gold.
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Five Antwerp jewellers arrested in probe into international gang dealing in stolen gold, jewellery and watches
Colin Clapson
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Versailles police, led by a French investigating judge, started the investigation in September 2025. Various gangs of burglars and pickpockets stole items across France and attempted to resell their haul, mainly jewellery. The investigators documented more than 135 journeys to Belgium between September 2025 and May 2026.
Members of the gang travelled between Paris and Charleroi in Belgium several times a week. They concealed stolen goods in hidden compartments in their vehicles and drove in convoy to evade police checks.
From Charleroi, the stolen precious metals, jewellery, diamonds and luxury watches were transported on to the northern port city of Antwerp (Flanders). There, intermediaries are said to have sold them in the diamond district.
5 Antwerp jewellers arrested
On 28 May, and with the help of local police Antwerp Federal Judicial Police carried out 11 searches across the northern port city. During these operations, five men aged between 34 and 58 and working as jewellers were arrested.
During one of the raids, the police found two melting machines and equipment for dismantling jewellery. The investigators also seized more than 6 kilograms of melted gold, a silver bar, a large quantity of old jewellery, loose diamonds, around sixty luxury watches, blank certificates from Rolex and Audemars Piguet, and approximately 63,000 euros in cash.
The investigating judge ordered the detention of two men aged 55 and 56. The Antwerp Chamber of Indictment will decide on Wednesday whether to extend their detention.
Five people were also arrested in Charleroi (Wallonia).