East Flanders Federal Judicial Police crack €350k fuel card scam

Sarhan Basem
Credit: Belga

East Flanders (Brussels Morning Newspaper) Authorities in Belgium and Romania have reported dismantling a complex criminal operation involving the cloning of fuel cards for theft and resale. The investigation was triggered by the Federal Judicial Police (FGP) in East Flanders and concluded in a series of coordinated raids leading to the arrest of 17 suspected.

The investigation was initiated following the discovery of a “skimming device” attached to a card reader at a petrol station in East Flanders. The surreptitious card data-capturing device alerted authorities to a larger criminal enterprise possibility. Following the discovery of a cloning device on a card reader in a petrol station, the East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office (Dendermonde division) instructed the local chapter of the Federal Judicial Police to investigate the matter.

The investigation into how one such petrol station found itself infiltrated by a similar skimming device then revealed that the gang had intentionally placed devices similar to that one at a number of petrol stations. Using these devices, they could illicitly get fuel card info to then create cloned cards. The initial investigation revealed a gang that had installed a skimming device at several petrol stations in order to fraudulently refuel using copied fuel cards.

The gang illegally transferred fuel into trucks and vans whose empty plastic tanks held 1,000 litres. They sold the stolen fuel to transport companies who paid without knowing about the theft.  The investigation shows the fraud caused at least €350,000 worth of financial harm. The case required the authorities from both Belgium and Romania to work together.

Transport organisations obtain oil from theft locations for their business operations. Authorities estimate the crime caused at least €350000 worth of damage. A number of suspects are staying in Romania, forcing the East Flanders Public Prosecutor’s Office to make the necessary arrangements with the national Romanian Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Background of the investigation

Authorities in both Romania and Belgium conducted synchronised house searches on January 21st during a joint operation. Belgian authorities searched nine locations throughout Brussels and Zulte to arrest six individuals during this joint action. An investigating judge in Ghent received the arrested suspects before charging three of them.

The Romanian authorities searched sixteen homes to take eleven people into custody. Explosion police arrested two individuals to transport them back to Belgium based on the European Arrest Warrant. The global law enforcement collaboration demonstrates that tech-based fuel theft grows as law enforcement strives to stop such criminal activities worldwide. The operation shows businesses and people need to stay watchful for new crime techniques from criminal gangs.

About Us

Brussels Morning is a daily online newspaper based in Belgium. BM publishes unique and independent coverage on international and European affairs. With a Europe-wide perspective, BM covers policies and politics of the EU, significant Member State developments, and looks at the international agenda with a European perspective.
Share This Article
Follow:
Sarhan Basem is Brussels Morning's Senior Correspondent to the European Parliament. With a Bachelor's degree in English Literature, Sarhan brings a unique blend of linguistic finesse and analytical prowess to his reporting. Specializing in foreign affairs, human rights, civil liberties, and security issues, he delves deep into the intricacies of global politics to provide insightful commentary and in-depth coverage. Beyond the world of journalism, Sarhan is an avid traveler, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and enjoys unwinding with a good book or indulging in outdoor adventures whenever possible.
The Brussels Morning Newspaper Logo

Subscribe for Latest Updates