Belgian-French police arrest 19 in international jewelry theft ring

A joint Belgian-French police operation has dismantled an international ring involved in the large-scale theft and resale of jewelry, diamonds, and precious metals. The investigation culminated in the arrest of 19 suspects, including five jewelers in Antwerp.

Authorities seized over 6 kilograms of melted gold, a silver bar, a large quantity of used jewelry, loose diamonds, approximately sixty luxury watches, and around 63,000 euros in cash. Among the confiscated items were also blank certificates for Rolex and Audemars Piguet watches, and equipment for dismantling jewelry, including two gold-melting machines.

The investigation, initiated in September 2025 by Versailles police, uncovered a sophisticated network that transported stolen goods between Paris and Antwerp. Suspects used hidden compartments in vehicles and traveled in convoys to bypass police checks. The stolen items were then brought to Charleroi before being moved to Antwerp's diamond district, where intermediaries allegedly sold them.

Five men, aged between 34 and 58, were arrested in Antwerp during 11 house searches. Two of them, aged 55 and 56, have been ordered detained by an investigating judge, with a decision on their further detention pending. Five other individuals were arrested in Charleroi as part of the operation.