As a result of a joint operation by the authorities of Belgium, Poland, Germany, and the Netherlands, a transnational organized criminal group with armed capabilities was dismantled in October 2025. The group was involved in armed assaults on illegal cigarette factories across the European Union, as well as in the production and trafficking of untaxed tobacco products and narcotics-related crimes.
The operation was carried out by the Federal Judicial Police of Eupen and Limburg, Belgian and German customs services, and officers of the Polish Central Bureau of Investigation (CBŚP).
Brutal Armed Raids on Illegal Cigarette Factories
According to investigators, the dismantled organization was responsible for two violent robberies targeting illegal cigarette production facilities in Eupen and Maasmechelen (Belgium). The attackers impersonated police officers, used special-forces-style tactics, and were armed with firearms. During the assaults, they used violence against workers, deprived them of their liberty, and forced them to act under duress.
During the group’s most recent attempted robbery in October 2025, counterterrorism units from Belgium and the Netherlands conducted a coordinated raid, arresting the perpetrators in the act while they were holding victims captive.
32 Arrested — Millions in Fiscal Losses
The international operation resulted in the arrest of 32 suspects, including several Polish nationals. According to the investigation, some of them had ties to Polish and international organized crime networks. Among those detained were individuals wanted on European arrest warrants for crimes committed in Poland.
Belgian authorities dismantled an illegal cigarette factory, seizing two complete production lines, 16.4 million cigarettes, and 15.44 tonnes of tobacco. In addition, five firearms — including a submachine gun — were confiscated, along with military-grade tactical equipment, bulletproof vests, fake police armbands, 12 vehicles, cash, and jewelry.
The estimated tax and customs losses caused by the group’s activities amount to approximately €24.7 million.
International Cooperation Was Key to Success
The investigation revealed that the criminal network maintained operational links in Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Ukraine. Belgian authorities emphasized that the success of the operation was due to close international coordination, with a crucial role played by the Polish Central Bureau of Investigation, which provided key operational intelligence and supported cross-border coordination.
Ongoing Investigation
The criminal proceedings concerning this organized group and its involvement in illegal cigarette production are being continued by Belgian law enforcement, in cooperation with foreign partners. Authorities have not ruled out further arrests or additional charges, including money laundering and arms trafficking.
Source: Federal Judicial Police (Belgium), Central Bureau of Investigation (Poland), Belgian and German Customs Authorities
Original publication: CEO.com.pl – “International Operation Dismantles Armed Criminal Group Targeting Illegal Cigarette Factories in Europe”
