Evidence suggests that the group managed or controlled several companies contracted to transport goods within Romania and abroad. Once they received the goods they were meant to transport, they stole the entire shipment. 

The group is suspected of using several methods to steal the shipments. One of these methods involved transferring the shipment from the original vehicle to another. After switching the cargo, the driver would report that it had been stolen en route. Another method involved swapping trailers and licence plates, whereby the cargo was switched to another, similar-looking trailer. Finally, the group would stage a trailer theft. The driver would claim that, due to mechanical failure, they had to leave the trailer behind for repairs, and after returning to the site, the trailer would be missing. 

To support their fraudulent activities, the group is suspected of forging identification documents and transport paperwork, as well as using counterfeit vehicle registration certificates and licence plates. 

The group stole approximately 70 shipments, primarily in Romania and Belgium, but also in other European countries. These shipments mostly contained electronics, household appliances, raw materials, grain, cosmetics, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and other consumer goods. 

Investigations indicate that the group started in March 2024 with five individuals. After this, a further 30 members joined the group in a variety of well-defined roles. These roles included contracting shipments, identifying and securing transport assignments of high-value goods that could easily be sold on the black market, moving cargo between vehicles, escorting transports and selling the stolen goods. 

Since February 2026, Belgian and Romanian authorities have worked together to identify the criminal group, collect and share evidence and plan joint actions. A joint investigation team at Eurojust was set up to coordinate this cooperation. On 3 November, the authorities worked together to execute 65 search warrants in Romania and apprehend 11 suspects. In Belgium, authorities arrested five suspects, who are now in pre-trial detention. During the searches, authorities gathered important evidence that will now be used to continue the investigations. Authorities also held hearings with suspects and witnesses during the action day. 

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

• Belgium: Investigating judge of the Court of 1st Instance of Antwerp; Public Prosecutor’s Office Antwerp; Federal Judicial Police Antwerp
• Romania: Prosecution Office of the High Court of Cassation and Justice; Directorate for Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism; Pitesti Territorial Office; Directorate for Combating Organized Crime; Organized Crime Combating Brigades of Craiova, Ploiești, and Oradea; Organized Crime Combating Services of Olt, Ilfov, and Dâmbovița; the Argeș County Police Inspectorate; Gendarmes from the Argeș and Dâmbovița County Gendarmerie Inspectorates; Ploiești Mobile Gendarmerie Group; Gendarmerie’s Special Intervention Brigade.