Belgian police have dismantled an international network involved in human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of women from South America. During the operation, led by an examining magistrate from the Leuven public prosecutor’s office, 35 premises across Belgium were raided. In all, 67 potential victims were found. Six people are being held.
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Police pounce against exploitation of South American sex workers in Belgium
Colin Clapson
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The house searches were carried out on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 June and involved 150 police officers. Today, the police and the public prosecutor’s office provided further details about the investigation.
The operation is part of an international Joint Action Day (JAD) and was carried out in close cooperation with the federal police Centrex Human Trafficking unit, various Belgian local police zones and Spain’s Policia Nacional.
In all, 35 premises were searched in Belgium and 2 in Spain. Ten people have been arrested, six of whom remain in custody. They stand accused of procuring clients for sex workers and living off the proceeds, human trafficking and money laundering.
A different location every week
The investigation, which began in 2025, uncovered a structured network that recruited sex workers from South America. These women were brought to Belgium via Spain and then housed in dozens of properties across the country.
To make detection more difficult, the victims were moved to a different location every week. The organisation ensured their victims ended up in a situation of extreme financial dependence. The women were charged exorbitant amounts for things such as accommodation, taxi fares and work materials.
During the coordinated raids, the police found a total of 67 potential victims. 67,000 euros were seized and six properties were sealed.
In Spain, where a 35-year-old woman was arrested, the authorities seized over 23,000 euros in cash, as well as several luxury cars.
‘Disrupting the revenue model’
‘Sexual exploitation affects lives. That is why the fight against human trafficking remains an absolute priority, whereby we not only protect victims but also specifically disrupt the revenue model,’ the police say.
An investigation into the remaining branches of the network is continuing.