Belgian authorities have arrested a 19-year-old man suspected of playing a leading role in a Belgian phishing gang that targeted victims across Europe. Investigators believe the network stole hundreds of thousands of euros by impersonating bank employees, convincing victims to install remote access software, and laundering the proceeds through cryptocurrency and overseas accounts.
Police say the arrest marks an important step in an ongoing investigation that aims to dismantle the entire criminal operation.
Belgian Phishing Gang Targeted Victims Across Europe
According to the Belgian federal police, the suspect is one of the alleged leaders of a phishing network operating from Belgium and the Netherlands.
Investigators say members of the group contacted victims by email and telephone while pretending to represent legitimate banks.
The fraudsters persuaded victims to install remote access software on their computers. Once access was granted, the attackers could take control of the devices and gain entry to online banking accounts.
Authorities believe the scheme affected dozens of victims throughout Europe.
Police Allege Large-Scale Fraud and Money Laundering
Investigators estimate the Belgian phishing gang stole well over half a million euros.
Police say the group relied on money mules and cashers to move the stolen funds through foreign bank accounts before laundering the proceeds with cryptocurrency.
According to investigators, the arrested teenager organized both the digital fraud and the money laundering operation on a large scale.
Suspect Arrested After Returning From Dubai
Police arrested the 19-year-old last week after he returned from Dubai.
Investigators say the suspect traveled to the United Arab Emirates several times using bank cards belonging to victims.
Officers detained him at an Airbnb property in Antwerp, where he was staying with another individual.
Police did not explain why the second person present at the property was not arrested.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The Belgian federal police launched the investigation in March 2026.
Authorities say the operation is continuing as investigators work to identify other members of the Belgian phishing gang, recover stolen money, and dismantle the wider criminal network.
Police have not disclosed how many additional suspects may still be under investigation.
Police Urge the Public to Stay Alert
Following the arrest, Belgian federal police reminded the public to remain cautious when receiving emails or phone calls claiming to come from banks or government agencies.
Officials stressed that legitimate organizations will never ask people to provide sensitive financial information through unsolicited emails or suspicious links.
They also warned that banks and government agencies will never send representatives to collect customers’ bank cards in person.
Investigators encourage anyone who receives suspicious messages or unexpected requests for banking information to contact their financial institution directly through official channels rather than responding to the communication.
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