The Belgian Attorney General’s office announced the arrest of 25 suspects, Wednesday, as part of an extensive probe into human trafficking and sexual exploitation. These arrests were made during 12 raids conducted throughout the country.
Law enforcement authorities searched 56 homes in the capital, Brussels, as well as in Antwerp, Liège, and East Flanders. Following judicial orders, 30 brothels were shut down in the Brussels-North suburb, an area notorious for its prevalence of prostitution.
The Attorney General’s office, in a press release, revealed that these raids were specifically targeted towards a network involved in trafficking women from Nigeria and Ghana. The suspects are accused of placing Nigerian women in brothel windows and charging them exorbitant fees.
The press release further informed that in addition to the 25 arrests, another 23 individuals were detained following the raids. A judge will subsequently decide if these suspects will be referred to trial.
Belgium, located in the heart of Europe, has over the years grappled with the challenge of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Its strategic location, which serves as a crossroad between several major European countries, unfortunately also makes it a hotspot for illicit activities, including the trafficking of women from African nations.
While authorities have been persistent in their efforts to combat these activities, traffickers have often used the country as a gateway to the rest of Europe. The recent crackdown is a testament to Belgium’s continued commitment to eradicating such criminal networks from its territory.
