On the evening of June 13, 2025, a coordinated operation involving local police, federal police, customs, and various inspection services was launched in Cureghem, Anderlecht.

This crackdown is part of ongoing efforts by authorities to combat illegal commerce and related criminal activities in the Brussels region.

The operation resulted in the arrest of 11 individuals linked to illegal economic activities.

Among those arrested, six individuals are facing judicial charges for money laundering, while five others were administratively detained for various offenses, including illegal labor and unlawful residency.

As part of the operation, labor inspectors closed two businesses due to illegal employment practices, and another store was sealed off after authorities discovered a significant quantity of illegal cigarettes.

In total, authorities seized over 5,800 packets of illegal cigarettes and €28,000 in cash, underscoring the scale of illegal trade in the area.