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🇧🇪 Belgium /Crime & Justice

No transmigrants off Belgian coast since 'suppliers' arrested

From VRT NWS · () Dutch

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • No transmigrants have been seen off the Belgian coast since May 1, following the arrest of four individuals in Germany suspected of supplying equipment.
  • Authorities have seized numerous items, including vehicles, life vests, and GPS trackers, as part of ongoing investigations into human smuggling operations.
  • Belgium's Interior Minister Bernard Quintin stated that financial aid from the UK is not the solution, a stance met with criticism from other government parties and opposition.

The Belgian coast has seen a notable absence of transmigrants and related police interventions since May 1. This lull is attributed to the arrest of four individuals in Germany who allegedly supplied essential equipment like inflatable boats, life vests, and GPS trackers, according to Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden.

I am not going to beg in the UK. Belgium must safeguard its independence and the rule of law.

— Bernard QuintinBelgium's Interior Minister Bernard Quintin stated his refusal to seek financial aid from the UK.

Minister Bernard Quintin detailed a comprehensive list of seized materials, including vehicles, life vests, inflatable boats, GPS trackers, outboard motors, clothing, and mobile phones. The ongoing crackdown involves approximately 30 investigations into human smuggling rings, resulting in over 50 arrests. This effort highlights significant international cooperation with Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

If British financial support were the solution, it would have already been solved in France.

— Bernard QuintinBelgium's Interior Minister Bernard Quintin explained his reasoning for not seeking UK financial aid.

A key development in this international collaboration was the arrest of four individuals in Germany in late March, based on an order from Bruges. Authorities discovered boats, engines, life vests, cash, and weapons during the operation. Quintin emphasized the strong judicial police and authority cooperation with Germany, France, and the UK.

I do not see that as selling oneself, but as good cooperation between neighboring countries.

— Maaike De VreeseN-VA Chamber member Maaike De Vreese criticized Quintin's stance on UK financial aid.

Plans are underway to establish a 'Group of Calais,' a collaborative forum for all North Sea countries, including Belgium, France, the UK, the Netherlands, and Denmark, to discuss strategies. However, Quintin rejected calls for financial assistance from the UK, stating that Belgium must uphold its independence and rule of law, and that money is not the primary solution. This position has drawn criticism from within the government and the opposition, with some arguing that accepting financial aid is a matter of good cross-border cooperation rather than a loss of independence.

I ask you to reconsider that position.

— Tine GielisCD&V Chamber member Tine Gielis urged Quintin to rethink his refusal of UK financial aid.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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