Belgian law enforcement and labour authorities participated in the coordinated operation, alongside authorities from Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Switzerland. In total, 20 restaurants were inspected, including one in Belgium, eight in the Netherlands, seven in Germany, two in Luxembourg and two in Switzerland. Investigators suspect that the criminal activities also took place in other restaurants belonging to or associated with the same Indian restaurant chain in Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, France and Switzerland.

The investigation, led by the Netherlands, identified more than 70 combined work and residence permits issued to nationals recruited to work in these restaurants. According to the investigation, some of the workers were not employed as specialist chefs, as provided for under the conditions of their permits, but as dishwashers, cleaners, waiting staff or restaurant managers. They allegedly worked 60 to 80 hours per week, often over six or seven days, without receiving the corresponding remuneration. Investigators also suspect that victims were subjected to psychological pressure, threats and other forms of coercion to prevent them from leaving or reporting the exploitation.

The criminal network is estimated to have generated at least EUR 4 million in illicit profits through the underpayment and exploitation of workers. Two suspects were arrested during the coordinated action. Europol supported the investigation by facilitating information exchange and coordinating the actions across jurisdictions. A Europol human trafficking expert was deployed to the coordination centre in Utrecht, while Europol experts will continue to support the analysis of the criminal network and the tracing of illicit proceeds.

For further details, please read the press release from Europol.